lessons
This week Heron enjoyed transfering the 10 kukui nuts to the plate. As he began to put the kukui nut in the appropriate circle I stood back. He was having some challenges holding the tongs. Then I heard him say “I can do this” a few second later he grabbed the kukui nut and exalted “I did it!”. He continued on with much focus. From a distance I smiled internally. Heron is new to Montessori and is learning how to do things independently. At the moment he is in the sensitive period of order. As he repeats the lessons over an over he develops a sense of safety as well as a sense of space. As he repeat the lesson he constructing his brain to develop patterns.
I also presented the lesson of dry transfer and dry transfer with a spoon. He then practiced these lessons. As I observed Heron I thought about how he will continue to benefit from the Montessori method. I also wonder how Maria Montessori felt as she observed her first child or children. I think about how her method inspire children towards things such order, respect, independence and peace.
As we come close to September 21 international day of Peace. I think about a more global perspective. It was nice to learn that during Montessori’s time she put a lot of time and effort into supporting the “Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child Rights of the Child. Currently all countries except for Somalia and the United States of America have agreed the law:
“The Convention states that every child has the same rights:
the right to a childhood (which includes protection from harm)
the right to be educated (which includes all girls and boys completing primary school)
the right to be healthy (which includes having clean water, nutritious food and medical care)
the right to be treated fairly (which includes changing laws and practices that are unfair on children)
the right to be heard (which includes considering children's views)”
These rights are something that I agree with as well and something I feel will observe that children have equal opportunity towards.
References
Montessori, M. (2013) Montessori model united nations. Retrieved from http://montessori-mun.org/why-mmun/maria-montessori/