Rice Pouring - Video

“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.