Ms Hawkins (K, Queneesh)
Since 2009, I have been working in the Montessori program at Queneesh Elementary as an early primary teacher. Over the years, I have enjoyed welcoming young children into kindergarten, guiding their development, and sharing in their experiences and friendships at school.
I first discovered the work of Montessori while living in Arizona as an undergraduate student. I was struck by the peaceful, calm, and independent nature of the children in the first Montessori casa environment that I visited. It was such an inspiring experience, I enrolled in Montessori training and obtained a teaching degree.
Growing up in Ontario and New Brunswick, I enjoyed hiking and time spent engaged in outdoor pursuits with family and friends. As a teenager, I participated in Outward Bound and wilderness skills courses in the summer. These experiences were vital to my well-being and shaped my potential and future goals.
As a teacher, I believe it is important that children spend time playing, exploring, and learning in nature. My class enjoys taking a weekly forest walk together. It is rewarding to hear young children express how being on a forest walk with classmates makes them feel “happy,” “free,” and “less stressed.” Care of self is a meaningful and significant part of a Montessori education.
I first discovered the work of Montessori while living in Arizona as an undergraduate student. I was struck by the peaceful, calm, and independent nature of the children in the first Montessori casa environment that I visited. It was such an inspiring experience, I enrolled in Montessori training and obtained a teaching degree.
Growing up in Ontario and New Brunswick, I enjoyed hiking and time spent engaged in outdoor pursuits with family and friends. As a teenager, I participated in Outward Bound and wilderness skills courses in the summer. These experiences were vital to my well-being and shaped my potential and future goals.
As a teacher, I believe it is important that children spend time playing, exploring, and learning in nature. My class enjoys taking a weekly forest walk together. It is rewarding to hear young children express how being on a forest walk with classmates makes them feel “happy,” “free,” and “less stressed.” Care of self is a meaningful and significant part of a Montessori education.
