In her book, From Childhood to Adolescence, Maria Montessori discussed the social and intellectual needs of the seven to twelve years old child. Through her observations, she discovered that the elementary age child likes to perform purposeful work and longs to fit in his community. The child learns about social relationships and develops a moral sense. She stated, “It is necessary for us to provide him with culture and to enlarge his social experiences.”
How do I fit in? By turning, turning, we come round right:
The culture at our newly established T.E.C. Schools is slowly taking shape through many community events. One such event is our Holiday Concert. Students prepare for the concert in their weekly music class. Early on, students learn the Quaker song, Simple Gifts, which helps them understand the idea that although people are different, they all eventually find their place in the community. The lyrics, “By turning, turning, we come round right,” make a big impact on the children’s understanding of how they fit in the grand scheme of things.
As their repertoire develops, students sing voluntarily throughout the school day. Hallways come alive with melodic sounds and students are often found singing joyously during job time, while lining up at lunch or dismissal time, and sometimes, even during work time! Singing together brings smiles and laughter, and develops the sense of a harmonious community.
Academic Impact:
In her observations, Maria Montessori also remarked that during this period of development, known as ‘The Years of Plenty,’ the child is able to process a lot of information. The cultural curriculum begins with understanding the whole universe and then studying the parts that make up the whole. The study of cultures constitutes a major part of the elementary program. Students discover that in all cultures, celebrations during certain times of the year bring people together. Humans across all cultures share food, music, dance, and experience the warmth and excitement of special events together.
Music Brings People Together:
At T.E.C., the Holiday Concert is a celebration of the season with songs that evoke warm, joyous and peaceful emotions. Mr. Matthew Z. Johnson, our Music Director, explains that throughout human history, people celebrate this darkest time of the year with music that brings light and happiness to everyone. He stresses the importance of singing, especially for children, because it is this emotional experience that sticks with them throughout their lifetime. Mr. Johnson carefully chooses songs and music that will leave an indelible impression on these young minds.
In addition to the emotional experience, Mr. Johnson discusses how singing together builds social skills among students. The rigor and practice in preparation for the concert develops focus, memory and attentiveness. Students learn to analyze the meanings of the words and learn to express the meaning through sound that they make. They sing duets, solos, trios, as well as with the full choir. It is an active and energetic way to share the emotions expressed in a song using the whole body. Singing together requires students to listen to each other and coordinate their participation with the whole show. In fact, students find their own individual spot within the whole group.
Celebrations Build Our School Community:
Elementary age students work hard in the fall and get to know each other in the first few months of school. By November, there is a noticeable energy among the students; the desire to organize, to take charge, to plan, to serve, to create, and to participate in group activities. The Holiday Concert promotes the children’s natural desire to participate in communal work. At The T.E.C. School, students get involved in planning the concert and are invested in the preparations. They design the program, clean and organize their classrooms, and take great pride in their accomplishments. They look forward to sharing their accomplishments with the people they love.
When the big day arrives, parents, teachers, students, friends, grandparents, uncles and aunts, all come together for a common goal. There is a sense of unity and the mood is cheerful. It is a time to forget all hardships and simply enjoy the moment and celebrate the children’s performance. It is a time for us to express our thoughts and gratitude. Melodious music, homemade food, laughter, and the joy of being together builds our community.
You are an important part of our growing community. Your support means a lot to us. Join us for the Holiday Concert and celebrate with us.
