I was placed at Durango Montessori School, under the guidance of 7th year teacher Ms. Cait. Ms. Cait teaches in the 2nd/3rd grade classroom at DMS, with one co-teacher, Ms. Becca. During my practicum hours, I mainly assisted students during their independent work time, using the methods of Maria Montessori. Students at DMS are given individual work plans, due at the end of the week, with 2/3 hours a day of self guided study to complete these tasks. In order to keep a self guided classroom running smoothly- DMS brings in lots of outside sources, such as parents, and additional teachers. I was given a very hands on role from day 1, allowing me to work with students one on one in subjects such as reading, math, and science. In addition to this I often facilitated recess with Ms. Becca, and saw how recess works without a playground, and in an unconventional school. My field study helped me to learn the beauty of Montessori education. I reflected a lot this semester on my time as an elementary student, and wondered often how different my outlook on life would be, if I had this much passion for education. The children at DMS are excited and ready to learn everyday. Learning is not a chore. Although I do not see myself working in a Montesorri school, I fully believe that principles of Montesorri are essential to creating a differentiated classroom. When students are made to feel like individuals, they become passionate to expand this identity. Some of my favorite activities I saw that promoted this method were self chosen read aloud times, meditaition implemented into the curriculum, and self driven science exploration on topics of their choosing. The high point of my semester was sledding with all the children in Buckley park, after a lesson on types of snow. I am eternally grateful for Ms. Cait and Ms. Becca for showing me the possibilities beyond a traditional public school setting- and opening my mind to ideas I believed to be less than my own.