The Journey From a Question to an Answer

By Virginia Sparkes, CH1 Lead Guide & Alisha Gaskins, Director of Development and Marketing

Faculty at Winston-Salem Montessori School are often asked, “What is the difference between a conventional school and a Montessori school?”

We love this question! We could talk all day on this topic, but we will focus on empowerment through an adaptable, self-initiated curriculum.

WSM provides an adaptable curriculum based on leveraging the child's plane of development. They choose what they want to work on and pursue their interests. As they pursue their interests, the Guides (teachers) assist them.

Ms. Virginia shared a story about a child pursuing their interest in her Children's House Newsletter, "During a lesson, categorizing living and non-living items, a student asked "Is the earth living?" I paused. I never want to suggest that guides, or even adults, ever know everything! So I responded, "that is a big question and different people have different answers. I think you ought to do some research to decide for yourself!"

We asked the Librarian, Ms. Evelyn, for books about the earth. Together, we read them and thought about his question. Some of the books were about the earth within the solar system, and others were about the history of the earth, from prehistoric times to modern humanity. We looked at landscapes, diagrams, and images of animals dependent upon the earth for survival. 

At the end of the last book, he announced, "I think that the earth IS living because it gives us life!" I asked him to choose something in the books to draw and label to summarize his research. He joyfully chose an image of Earth from space. 

This led to research from other children about dinosaurs, dinosaur bones, and fossils, as well as flowers and animals.

Research serves multiple purposes, such as critical thinking, reading, writing practice, and, ultimately, their place in the world. The most important part for me is that it is inspired and directed by the children themselves. Whilst I might offer guidance and materials, the work is truly theirs. It is a joy to watch them pursue an interest and experience the journey from a question to an answer!"

 The adaptable curriculum and guided freedom provided to WSM students allow their self-esteem, confidence, and capabilities to grow.