There is an expression we use around campus when we encounter questions about integrating new curriculum or ideas into our Montessori classrooms. It goes like this: WWMS – borrowed from the movement of WWJD, What Would Jesus Do.

The WWMS has to do with asking: What Would Maria Say? If we were to re-incarnate Maria to 2020 and plunked her down in an average American household or classroom, with ages 2 – 16, what would she be hearing/observing? What would she possibly understand way beyond the obvious attractions of these technological wonders? Would she still say: “Follow the child” even if his interests may cut him off from much of the world.

Yes, indeed children are different IN WHAT IS AVAILABLE TO THEM as far as what captivates them, fascinates them. But their human nature is still the same. They LOVE TO BE ENGAGED AND ABSORBED. The Absorbent Mind (one of her best books) is still the same.

The concept of “mindfulness,” or Montessori’s three cares: care for the environment, care for others, and care for self, are still relevant to all levels of education and life.

When the three-year-old child is taught how to pour water from one tiny pitcher into another, it is with precise movements fully mindful of the fact that if he doesn’t put the glass pitcher back on the tray and away from the edge of the table, it could easily fall and break. “Care for the environment” means taking care of physical things and if a mistake is made, what to do to clean it up.

When a child uses her “indoor voice” or is allowed time in her day to work with another child on some Montessori math, she is being encouraged to “care for others.”

When the teenager decides himself to set aside a two-hour block of time for his big physics test coming up, he is “caring for himself.” When he is given time to breathe deeply and settle his mind before taking that big test, he is being encouraged to “care for self.”

I wonder … I wonder if Maria would say: “As long as these new materials still allow for care of the environment, care for others, and care for self - then perhaps they can be another tool used with respect for the 2020 ‘followed child.’”

Translated for our high tech world:

Care for the environment – as long as I make my bed in the morning, set the dinner table, pick up my room on Saturday, technology may be just another tool.

Care for others: if time is monitored so that there is still time for family games, discussions, time for friends outdoors, visits to grandparents, it may be another tool.

Care for self – as long as time is monitored so that there is still time to read a good book in a quiet corner, climb a tree, watch a nest of newborn birds, find just the right rock for a collection, build the model airplane, try the new recipe, etc., it may be another tool.

Bottom line – as my mother used to say: “Everything in moderation” Or as Maria would understand – technology may have its place – in the older levels of a Montessori school and at home.

But if one loses any one of the three cares: neglects chores, homework, abuses the technology (care of the environment); neglects friends and family members by spending too much with technology (care of others); or neglects eating a healthy meal with the family, a world of nature, quiet and creative time, a spiritual practice (care of self), then technology becomes a liability.

So, I think, Maria would say: “If you are following the child and today’s child really enjoys this new learning tool, keep it. Don’t throw out the baby with the bath water. Just remember some key words: moderation, limits, and above all ‘the three cares.’”

Remember that you can always check the MSA website calendar for upcoming calendar events.

January 28 - Food, Family, and Philosophy event on campus at 5:30 PM

February 6 - High School internships

February 6 - Spring Benefit Meeting at 5:30 PM

February 13-19 - Scholastic Book Fair

February 17 - President's Day, no school, extended day only

April 25 - Escape to Kokomo - Spring Benefit & Auction