“Montessori work is a work of restraint”
Hello everyone! I am proud to present my very first tutorial video of
how to present a Montessori job! Scroll to the bottom for an example of how to
present a classic job- Rice Pouring
I see a lot
of pins and blogs out there on how to make Montessori materials, but just as
important as creating a material with control of error, isolation of difficulty
and the rest, is how you present it.
5 Most Important Things to
remember When Presenting a Montessori Job
1. Invite the child to the
lesson
This is an
invitation, that means that the child has the right to refuse. If the child
refuses to come, respect that and try again later.
2. Show the COMPLETE
lesson, this includes putting it away!
When
presenting a lesson for the first time, show it from start to finish. That
means from taking it off the shelf, to putting it back on the shelf. Don’t
spoon half of the beans into the bowl and expect the child to know how to put
the work away. Showing how to completely do the job sets a good example.
3. When moving don’t speak,
when speaking don’t move
As a rule of
thumb, the LESS TALKING THE BETTER! Let the child concentrate on your
movements. If you speak, they’re going to be looking at your face! The job isn’t
about YOU, let the child be fascinated by the work!
4. Don’t correct the Child
If the child
is using the material disrespectfully or dangerously – STOP THEM. However, if
the child makes a mistake, or chooses to use the job in a way different from what
you intended, allow it. In the case of a mistake, you have two options. First, the
material/ the environment will correct the child (if the material was created
correctly). For example, a child can see by beans dropping outside of the bowl
that they need to spoon differently. This way, the child isn’t discouraged by a
parent/teacher constantly correcting them. Eventually, they will avoid the work
altogether. Your second option is just as simple, re-present the job again
later! Eventually, the lesson will stick.
5. Show excitement!
It might be
the HUNDRETH time you’ve presented the pink tower, but if you show excitement,
reverence and awe, the children will regard the pink tower as the most amazing
of materials! Show excitement every time you do a job! Hold each material as if
it was pure gold. Stare at it, touch it, and speak in a hushed voice. The child
will barely be able to contain their excitement for the material.
