Montessori Mondays
Montessori principle #2....... the adult teacher (guide)
Montessori: Teacher or Guide?
You are the teacher!
Role #1: Observe
As you watch your student without interrupting, what do you notice? As you observe your student, it is important to communicate what you see with your child's teacher.
Is the work too easy or too hard?
Does my child tackle the work eagerly or do they put it off
Does my child organize the materials or is the work space a mess?
Does my child ask for my help/approval often?
Role #2: Show don't tell- Model the lesson
Students learn most by watching others. With distance learning, students are provided the lesson through Canvas.
As a guide(teacher) in the home....
Ask questions that help students think of the answer. Try to not give a direct answer.
If a student is stuck, use the materials from the lesson and repeat the steps shown in the video or watch the video again.
It is okay for students to repeat lessons again and again! That is how they learn.
Role #3: Encourage helping around the house
One of the first things students are taught is how to take care of their environment, both at school and at home. Students can do many things when they are taught the steps. The more they do around the home, the more independent they will become.
A list of age appropriate skills are included.
Role #4: Encourage don't reward
Montessori classrooms work to build a child's motivation by how they feel about their success instead of using rewards.
When a child shares their work:
Notice the special details that you see
Notice the amount of time given to completing the work
Ask the student how he/she feels about the work
There are times when students need encouragement to complete a hard task. It is okay to be there for them to guide them through these feelings. It is important for them to know you appreciate their hard work and their "grit".