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Interest

In the Montessori environment or classroom, we need to find out what object or activity would almost
certainly draw the child’s interest. If a child is approached timidly, the teacher won’t have difficulty in
noting whether the child has an interest in the object or not. That is why the environment must be well
prepared for the child to reveal himself/herself through work.

Free choice

In order to foster independence in a child, we must let the child choose those kinds of activities which
he/she can do on their own and which keep him/her from being a burden to others because of his/her
inabilities. Therefore, it is important for a child to be in charge of the learning process in a classroom.

Punishment

No punishment should befall a child in a classroom or Montessori school environment. The child must be
free to exhibit his/her freewill without fear of being punished, corrected or humiliated.

Physical activities and sportsmanship

These activities should be introduced to develop order and promote social well-being in a child. Exercises
such as Grace and Courtesy lessons, for instance, give the child the vocabulary, actions, and steps
required for him/her to build his/her awareness and responsiveness of those around him/her. This, in
turn, gives the child a better sense of orientation in his/her social structure. These exercises lay a good
foundation which prepares the child for future sporting codes he/she might be involved, since sport
requires individuals who have a character that demonstrates fairness, ethics, respect, and a sense of
fellowship with one's competitors.

Both Erikson and Montessori believed that children should be in charge of the learning process in a
classroom.Their theories agree that learning should be child-centered and highlight the importance of
social development in children’s education.

Montessori, M. (1972). Montessori: The Discovery of the child. New York: Ballantine Books.
Montessori, M. (1967). Montessori: The Absorbent Mind. New York: Henry Holt and Company.
Montessori, M. (1972). Montessori: The Secret of Childhood. New York: Ballantine Books.

Cherry,K. (2017, May 16). Erik Erikson Biography (1902-1994): A Brief Biography of His Remarkable Life.
[Online].available at: https://www.verywell.com/erik-erikson-biography-1902-1994-2795538
Date accessed: 19 June 2017

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