How to Foster Children's Independence? A Montessori Approach to Interaction
Do you ever find yourself wondering, "Am I doing enough for my child's education?"
Recently, with the success of Shogi players, for example, we've had more opportunities to hear about Montessori education.
・Is Montessori education good?
・What does it mean to value independence?
・Can I incorporate it at home?
This time, based on the principles of Montessori education, we'd like to explore how children develop.
What is Montessori Education?
Montessori education is an educational method proposed by Italian physician Maria Montessori in the early 20th century.
A major feature of this educational method is the idea that
"children have the power to develop themselves."
Children inherently have a strong desire to:
・know
・try
・become capable
In Montessori education, it is not about adults drawing out this ability, but rather about
creating an environment where children can exercise it themselves.
Also, "freedom" does not mean letting them do whatever they want.
It emphasizes naturally learning
・responsibility
・rules
・consideration for others
within that freedom.
The Concept of "Self-Education"
At the heart of Montessori education is the concept of "self-education."
Children grow by accumulating their own experiences, even without being explicitly taught by adults.
For example:
・repeating the same play many times
・continuing until satisfied
・concentrating on a task
These behaviors are precisely when self-education is at work.
What adults can do might be
less about teaching and more about
not interfering and watching over them.
Case Study: A Child Who Played to Be Praised
Here's a case of a 6-year-old girl.
She was very diligent and always did what she was told. At home, she was given educational toys and played with them often.
However, a childcare worker noticed that while playing, she repeatedly looked at the adults' faces.
Tests showed no developmental issues, but she said:
"I was playing with that toy because Mom told me to."
"I was doing it to be praised."
In other words, the girl was playing
"to be praised,"
not "because it was fun."
This case teaches us that
if adult expectations are too strong, it can obscure a child's independence.
Practicing Montessori Education at Home
There are many things you can incorporate at home without overthinking it 😊
① Create an environment where children can choose
Instead of "Do this,"
・Which one will you play with today?
・You can choose from these.
Offer choices.
② Don't intervene too much
It's tempting to say,
"How about this?"
"That's wrong,"
but try to wait a little.
Trial and error is how they learn.
③ Don't stop repetition
Playing the same game many times
is a sign of growth.
Even if adults get bored, children are learning.
④ Acknowledge the process, not just the result
Instead of just "Amazing!"
・You thought about it well.
・You were creative.
・You finished it.
Encouraging comments that focus on the process are effective.
Observation is more important than "educational methods"
Montessori education is one of many established and wonderful educational methods. However, rather than which method is "correct,"
the most important thing might be
to observe your child carefully.
・What do they like?
・When are they concentrated?
・What games do they repeat?
By receiving signs from our children, we want to watch over their unique growth.
There's no need to rush.
Children grow at their own pace 🌱