Towards the end of June, we took our long awaited three-day long journey to Mae Sot, Thailand. As we approached the Tak hills we were welcomed by cooler weather with rain showers and the woolly mist that covered all the scenic features.
Our colleague currently residing there had versed himself with details pertaining to our visit. The following day, he took us to various migrant schools and we were met by a warm “Mengalabaa”…….the Burmese phrase for greetings. Our mission was to visit schools/child care centers in the area and learn about how the preschool migrant children spend their day in school.
Soon we entered one of the classrooms; a group of children were reciting names of fruits after the teacher in both Burmese and English language. Right behind them some were laughing and giggling as they enquired our names repeatedly in English. Their eyes shone brightly with eagerness to learn. This quickly reminded us of Montessori’s words: “Free the child’s potential and you will transform him into the world”.
Our mission continued on the second day where we met teachers and principals from several more schools. We quickly realized talking philosophy was not going to work, as a lot of time was spent with a translator since only a few teachers know minimal English. We introduced a few of the Montessori materials we had with us, and everyone caught on the use of fingers when tracing the sandpaper letters and connected between the use of fingers and later holding a pencil. The response was amazing as they laughed through the Practical life “Spooning and Button frame” exercises which they had earlier regarded as “toys”. The good thing is they could now link them to control of small motor muscles and coordination for the hand and eye, in preparation for writing skills and having the children help dress themselves.
The last day of our journey arrived so quickly and it was time to pack our bags and go back to Chiang Rai, but before we could bid goodbye to the wonderful teachers, we visited another migrant school at Huay Ka Loke where the children and the teachers are dedicating part of their time in banana tree planting and pig rearing. This school is working with the UPLift project from Khom Loy on a natural farming project that uses fermented banana stalk to feed pigs. The pigs gain weight very quickly, and also produce compost while they are living in a deep litter. You can read more about the natural farming project at UPLift’s project journal (http://uplift-khomloy.blogspot.com/) !
Dr. Montessori believed that outdoor environment is a natural extension of the classroom. At Huay Ka Loke, banana tree planting is a rewarding activity based on the sensory experiences of nature. It is through these constant outdoor experiences that children’s mental work and physical exercises become more aware of nature and are better able to understand the needs of the world and how they can make a difference.
We learned more from our interactions with teachers in the Thai-Burma migrant schools and we came back with a different perspective on life. We are planning to return soon to continue working with preschool and lower elementary teachers towards establishing a stimulating pilot Montessori program in Mae Sot district.
The inside and outside of a preschool classroom.
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