Do you remember what it was like living in a grown-up’s world? Did you ever climb up on the counter tops to reach high cupboards? Were you ever frustrated with a grown-up insisting that you needed their help?
Children, so it seems, are very capable of a good many things if only we would give them the time, the space, and the access to do it. Dr. Montessori was convinced, as we who teach and guide children in the method she developed are also convinced, that children have an innate drive to learn and do for themselves. Given extra time and patience plus the freedom of no adult interference, children are amazing at what they are able to do! Dr. Montessori showed us and we have come to observe ourselves that providing the least adult interference as possible also means giving children furnishings and materials that are appropriate and manageable to their size, their physical dexterity, and their level of cognitive development. That is the adult’s job: to appropriately prepare the child’s environment and to initially present and demonstrate the proper use and care of each item in the environment.
Indoors, tables and chairs are fitted to the size of the children; materials are placed within the children’s reach for their optimum access; a space for their individual belongings is available and accessible to each child. Snacks and meals are accessible and available when each individual child is ready.
Even personal space is taught and respected- and made available- through the use of floor work rugs. Each child can decide if they wish to work alone as an individual or if they prefer to come together and work as a small group.
Giving children these choices, the freedom to make them, and the accessibility to carry them out, gives children practice making simple decisions, builds social skills, and empowers them with a sense of healthy autonomy. Practicing here in a safe environment will build the skills necessary for making bigger decisions later on.
To give children a space they can call their own; with the guided freedom to arrange, work, play, and socialize in as they would like; to have the privilege and responsibility to care for their own space and nurture each other as a family or community – the possibilities could very well change the world. Dr. Montessori thought so.
Until next week,
Lorraine
