Page 26 - parent handbook 2024-25 FINAL FLIP

Road to Independence
A Childʼs Developmental Needs are important to understand in creating environments of growth for children. Young children are innately driven by their developmental needs, which often clash with the needs
of parents. By understanding the child's drive towards independence, we learn to offer her the time and materials she needs to complete the task herself. The intense effort she puts into small, repetitive tasks is deeply satisfying, and the end result gives her confidence and comfort in her skills. If she is not allowed to work through the task to completion, the child may react strongly. This kind of opposition, originated in the conflicting needs of the adult and child, highlights one of the main obstacles to a harmonious relationship between adults and children.
One of the key tenets of Montessori practice is that a more harmonious relationship can be achieved through understanding why children act as they do, through patiently offering them experiences that fulfill their deep, inner developmental drives. The entire Montessori environment is designed to meet these drives and satisfy them through the childʼs own activity. In Montessori schools, children enjoy that while they learn, and develop respect and care for others around them. This is true preparation for real life.
“Help Me to Help Myself” The Montessori teacher considers her role to be a guide, acknowledging that it is the childʼs work to develop. We prepare the environment so the child can master movements and work toward independence—meeting her own needs. The adult examines the environment to remove any obstacles to the childʼs independence: is the sink too high? Can we find a smaller dustpan and brush to fit the childʼs hand?
Is there a place to put cloths after wiping up a spill? We observe and wait to see if the child can solve a problem or if other children might offer to help. The large class size and mixed ages help insure that this spontaneous help will arise, allowing children to experience leadership and to ensure good role models.