Date: June 2008

Visit to Minimbah

Postcard from Sally Connellan from a visit to Minimbah

Recently I returned from an afternoon with Peter Erskine at  Minimbah School in Armidale where he teaches children aged 5 to 10 in a lovely cycle 2 Montessori classroom.  The challenges are great, especially since the local community hasn't embraced this school for indigenous children, and because resources are limited.  However, Peter must be doing everything right as I found the children welcoming, interested and quite happy.

During the afternoon, a few of the children wanted to start cross stitch, and I was asked to join them and lend a hand.  I was happy to help, and we had a lovely time conversing during our sewing.  The children were so surprised to learn that I too was a Montessori teacher.  They really thought it was quite something that there were other Montessorians out there.  I was flattered to be asked if I could return the next day.

During the closing circle, most of the children asked for homework.  Hmmm, I thought, this was a new wrinkle.  While Peter was handing some sheets out, I heard the following,  "I want homework sheets so I can do that instead of watching TV."  That was music to my Montessori ears!!!!!

Peter explained to me that most of these children entered the classroom unable to read, write or count up to 20.  Then he showed me some of their work folders.  In five months they have accomplished all of that and more.  The older children happily read to the younger ones, who regularly ask for more.   Computer skills are developing, overall attendance is regular, and the children seem very happy to be there.  Bravo to Peter who, with his gentle manner and Montessori principles, has turned school into a fun and interesting place to be.  This experience, no doubt, will impact on these children for the rest of their lives.