Montessori Method: Communication

As we are in the midst of the season of giving, we may sometimes forget that the most important part of the holiday season is simply giving. This can be the most difficult “gift” to give since giving requires one to also lend some time. I often find myself saying “I never have enough time”, and before I know it, time is already gone. One of the most important times in anyone’s life is the time that passes between birth and 6 years old; this is the time when we learn subconsciously, and everything gets soaked up. So for this Montessori Method Update, we will focus on the importance of communicating and applying the Montessori Method of communication into our daily lives with our children.

The Montessori Method emphasizes the importance of treating children with respect and appreciating the fact that no two children are the same. It is this simple truth that highlights the effectiveness of communicating in the Montessori Method. According to this methodology, communicators (i.e. teachers and parents) must be attentive to their words AND nonverbal cues. By using positive words and speaking courteously (i.e. saying “May I?” and “Please), communicators can create an encouraging environment while enforcing respectful behavior. Also, speaking calmly and warmly especially when a child is exhibited “undesirable behavior” will influence your child to react in the same manner. Finally, since children, notably young children, use nonverbal communication often, the Montessori Method calls on communicators to pay attention to the subtle movements that children make. By addressing what children say without words, we give value and a voice to the message the child was silently communicating.

The Montessori Method for communication can be implemented in our daily lives, but the place where it is most often needed but not used is during television. When your children are watching television sit and enjoy the show with them; television programs often contain scenarios and words that are too complex for their young minds to understand. By watching television with your children, you will increase your children’s understanding and also create lasting memories. In addition, you can monitor what your kids are exposed to, limit television time and also explain what is occurring during a program. Watching television should be an enjoyable time for your children, and with you by their side, your children will also gain the priceless gift of your time.

Of course, time is always slipping away, but when you do have a moment, we hope that you and your children are able to create memories to last a lifetime. 

Implementing Technology in Education

At Evergreen Montessori House, we utilize technology to enhance the academic experience for our students. By integrating tablets and computer software, our students have a variety of opportunities to engage their minds. For example, for our kindergartners, we found that the tablet is a great resource for them to enhance the reading comprehension and also provide phonics exercises. For our preschoolers, computer programs provide a great avenue for our younger students to review shapes, letters and numbers.

According to Kneas and Perry (2013), children interact with computers, thus allowing them to engage their minds; they determine how and when they will complete the game. Conversely, television programs are typically passive and do not allow children to “control” the ending. Still, there are great educational programs available for children, but educators, parents and guardians must ensure that television does not allow for laziness. In our previous blog post about using the Montessori Method to communicate with children, we stressed the importance of engaging children while they are watching programs.

Of course, we recommend only exposing a child to technology for a limited amount of time. In addition, not every child will enjoy using technology; you should never push a child to use a device or toy if she or he does not have any interest. Finding a balance will be difficult, but when we allow children to explore new avenues for education, we create opportunities for them to engage their minds and the world around them in exciting ways. 

Resources

Kneas, Kimberly M., and Bruce D. Perry. "Using Technology in the Early Childhood Classroom." Using Technology in the Early Childhood Classroom. Scholastic, n.d. Web. 19 Oct. 2013. <http://teacher.scholastic.com/professional/bruceperry/using_technology.htm>.