Meeting a New Montessori Teacher: Helping Students Feel Comfortable

This year long series looks at the experiences of teachers, parents, students, and Montessori education itself, as we follow a student through his first year at a Montessori Preschool. The Montessori Insights and Reflections of a Preschool Student’s First Year is a collection of useful stories, tips, and information that has arisen from one real student's Montessori journey, viewed through the eyes of his Montessori Teacher, Bree Von Nes.

Start of School Insights: Meeting a New Teacher

Every child reacts differently to meeting a teacher for the first time and it is important that we respect each child as well as their unique needs. Some children are extremely excited to begin Montessori preschool and have no problem adjusting to their new teacher, while others are very apprehensive and react by crying, clinging, withdrawing and even exhibiting extreme shyness.

When my Montessori preschool students arrive on the first day of school, I always greet them at the door with a warm smile and a positive comment about the day ahead to try and make them feel comfortable. I always extend my hand and invite them to shake my hand, but I never force the issue if I can see the child feeling uneasy. Some children require much more time than others to adjust to their new Montessori classroom environment and need their space before feeling comfortable.