The sound of happily transformed children singing “Mingalaba Seyama” (or "Hello, Teacher" in Burmese) has become part of our morning routines as we begin our day at the Hsa Mu Htaw Montessori class in Mae Sot, Thailand.
With a large number of children (90 plus) in Hsa Mu Htaw's nursery program, we had plans to accommodate only 45 children. However, after considering the issue further we decided to take in all the children by diving them into two shift classes--morning and afternoon. This arrangement enabled all the children benefit from working hands-on with Montessori materials. Just like their friends in the morning class, our afternoon children also are adjusting well to the classroom routines and rules.
Since having implemented this change 3 weeks ago, the children have been enjoying their first experience in the Montessori classroom. As with most learning activities, the transformation does not happen over night, this process requires a lot of patience but it finally happened. That there were some days when our circle time was filled with ground rules…ground rules…and ground rules again, our work time is filled with work…and work…and work. These busy little children move freely in the classroom – choosing activities and exploring every area independently as long as they wish.
With a large number of children (90 plus) in Hsa Mu Htaw's nursery program, we had plans to accommodate only 45 children. However, after considering the issue further we decided to take in all the children by diving them into two shift classes--morning and afternoon. This arrangement enabled all the children benefit from working hands-on with Montessori materials. Just like their friends in the morning class, our afternoon children also are adjusting well to the classroom routines and rules.
Since having implemented this change 3 weeks ago, the children have been enjoying their first experience in the Montessori classroom. As with most learning activities, the transformation does not happen over night, this process requires a lot of patience but it finally happened. That there were some days when our circle time was filled with ground rules…ground rules…and ground rules again, our work time is filled with work…and work…and work. These busy little children move freely in the classroom – choosing activities and exploring every area independently as long as they wish.
After their long day at school, we end our day with our good-bye song….”Ta ta seyama…see you tomorrow”, the students sing as they wave goodbye.
