Yesterday we had a staff meeting where we move a few shelves in Casa II and set up the chairs and tables for all the adults because we don't have a conference room. When we were putting things back in order, I moved a shelf 6 inches and everything came tumbling off with a huge crash! Almost everything broke: all the pieces for tea, pineapple slicing and apple cutting. If you are a Montessori guide you know how devastating this is--all the special little things you collect for years and years: the perfect teapot, the apple-shaped bowl, the beautiful cup and saucer, the ideal tiny dish. Then, on top of that, I lost my voice! Anyway, I was looking through photos and came upon this one. Usually this material is on a table, but this child found the perfect place to do his work. I can replace the china, but could never do my work without the materials that the genius of Montessori developed. A moment of illumination and humility.
How devastating for you.
ReplyDeleteIt's a lovely picture. We always do the cylinder blocks on the floor - there isn't enough room on a table. Sunshine should be part of the materials though!!!
Yes, our children often choose to do this work on the mats, as well. More room down there!
ReplyDeleteNot cringing when a "treasure" hits the floor is something that took a long time for me to master. I feel for you and wish you well in finding replacements.
Oh my goodness, what a yucky day! I have spontaneously collapsing shelves, and share your pain. However, I do believe the picture of the boy with the cylinders is one of the more lovely and inspiring Montessori pictures I've seen in a long time. Thanks for posting it, and I sure hope you feel better soon!!!
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