I taught for over 18 years as a Special Education Teacher. By the end of my career, I was mostly at meetings or testing. I had little contact with students. I taught for the Connecticut State tests. Parents and teachers were not supportive. Teaching was no longer fun.
Suddenly things changed for me. I left the public school and taught Music and Drama in a Montessori-like school. It took me awhile to change from being a traditional teacher. It was a BIG step to be called Miss Robbyn. I loved the hands on materials that were self-correcting. They enjoyed working with dressing boards, lock puzzles, and the pink tower. Children love to learn!
Additionally, my students were well behaved because they were able to select their own materials at their own level. Furthermore, they learned to enjoy organizing, concentrating, and returning their materials to their proper places. Montessori material helped my students to achieve. For example, I now have many of my four-year-old class that are starting to read.
I am excited to start a new venture of a Montessori playgroup this summer.