The Power of Mentorship
Ms. Kim

 How Our Buddy Class Benefits Both Younger and Older Students

At Amelia Island Montessori, we believe in fostering a strong sense of community, responsibility, and leadership among our students. One of the most meaningful ways we do this is through our Buddy Class, where our lower elementary students spend an hour, each Friday engaged with Ms. Lina’s primary students. This special time provides invaluable learning experiences for both the younger and older students, reinforcing the idea that mentorship is a two-way street.

The Benefits for Younger Students
For primary students, having an older buddy provides comfort, encouragement, and guidance. These relationships help younger children:

  • Build Confidence – Having a trusted older friend reassures them as they navigate new learning experiences.
  • Develop Social Skills – Interacting with an older peer teaches them communication, patience, and how to engage in meaningful conversations.
  • Gain Academic Support – Whether it's practicing letters, numbers, or listening to a story, younger students benefit from the one-on-one attention they receive.


The Benefits for Older Students
While it’s easy to see how the younger children gain from this experience, the benefits for the older students are just as impactful:

  • Leadership & Responsibility – Acting as mentors fosters a sense of responsibility and pride. They learn that their actions and words influence their younger buddies.
  • Patience & Empathy – Teaching and guiding a younger student requires patience, adaptability, and kindness—skills that benefit them throughout life. 
  • Confidence & Self-Esteem – Being a role model helps boost self-esteem as they realize they can positively impact someone else’s learning and growth.


A Community That Grows Together
Through our Buddy Class, students develop friendships that extend beyond the classroom. They learn to support one another, celebrate successes together, and form lasting bonds that reinforce our school’s sense of community. Watching older students take on mentorship roles and younger students flourish under their guidance is a reminder of how meaningful relationships shape learning in ways beyond traditional academics.


By Ms. Kim, Lower Elementary Educator

The Spirit of Service in Montessori Education: Raising Caring, Capable Human Beings

By Ms. Emily • December 2, 2025
In a world that often celebrates individual achievement over collective wellbeing, the Montessori approach stands apart.

Building a Montessori Community: The Role of Parents and Families

By Ms. Savannah • November 4, 2025
A thriving Montessori environment is never built by educators alone. It blossoms through the partnership between school and home. In our classroom, we have already seen how family involvement enriches children’s experiences, strengthens their confidence, and fills our days with excitement and connection. This year, many of you have shared pieces of your family life with us, and those moments have made a meaningful impact. From coming in to read with the children, to supporting class events, to sending us stories of your child’s growth at home. Each gesture has helped create a sense of belonging that children can feel. When children see the adults in their world working together, they move through their day with greater ease, trust, and joy. Here are a few ways family engagement helps build our classroom community: Shared Values & Consistency at Home and School: Small routines at home such as encouraging children to dress themselves, take responsibility for their belongings, or help with food preparation mirror the independence we nurture at school. Children feel grounded when expectations are aligned. Grace, Courtesy & Respectful Communication: When families model taking turns to speak, greeting others warmly, and using kind, respectful language, children carry those same practices into their social interactions at school. Celebrating Families and Cultures: When a parent shares a family tradition, a favorite recipe, or a cultural celebration, the classroom becomes a place where every child feels seen and valued. These exchanges help children appreciate diversity and build connections with one another. One of my favorite parts of Montessori is that it is a community journey. We, as educators, are learning alongside you: observing, reflecting, and growing every day. Your questions, curiosity, and partnership inspire us to deepen our practice and support your children in meaningful ways. As we continue through the year, I invite you to stay connected in ways that feel comfortable for your family whether that means joining a classroom event, practicing independence routines at home, or simply sharing a moment of your child’s joy or success. Every bit of involvement brings richness to our shared community.  Thank you for all the ways you support our classrooms. Your presence truly makes a difference, and we are grateful to be walking this Montessori journey with you.