We Are All Teachers - Lesson Plan for Our Last Full Day of School, May 20.

One of my favorite things about both Montessori and play-based philosophies is the idea that the teacher does not hold all the knowledge. In many Montessori schools teachers are instead called guides, because we are just the helpers as children discover and learn from their environment, their peers, and, yes, sometimes the teacher, too. While I hope some of my planned lessons have taught your children a few things, the majority of their learning happens in spite of me.

I have actually been told by several children on many occasions that I don't need to lead the circle, they are happy to read the story or be the teacher today. That's why for our last day of school, I am inviting each child to be the teacher for the day! I know most children have a favorite book at home that they can "read" from memorization, some like to make up their own stories, some might like to teach the class a favorite song. Maybe your child has something special they think the class would enjoy seeing and learning about, like a show-and-tell. If your child would rather sit back and enjoy circle time as usual, that's fine, too!

I was told by one of our mini-teachers that we need to make slime in class. I think it is a great idea, and I personally love slime, so that will be one of our choices on Monday. In my experience, slime sometimes comes out of clothes and sometimes doesn't, so this might be a day to skip the favorite or fancy outfit. Save the extra beautiful clothes for graduation day!