Respecting the Child

One of the things that drew me to Montessori Education is that built within the philosophy there is a deep respect for children. By respect, I mean that the child is not seen merely as an empty vessel that the teacher is meant to fill up with knowledge. Rather, children are seen as the human beings they are. There is something humbling about intentionally maintaining the dignity towards someone who depends on others for support. But I have not merely described children in that statement; I am describing everyone. Adults may come under the guise of believing we are independent in a solitary way. Yet, we depend on children to further humanity. As a Montessori teacher (or a parent, or any adult really), we have the great privilege of being a bridge to the world we inhabit so that our children may take up their task of making that world better. So when I am giving a lesson on the binomial cube, or helping a child change into clean clothes after their "accident", I do so knowing that I am caring for someone immensely valuable...someone who is part of the future of our species.

But please make no mistake. Children, like all people, can be quite foolish at times. Children are honing their impulses, learning to care for others, and must mature in order to engage in critical thinking. They are building the capacity to make wise decisions, but they are not born doing this. To assume that children are capable of doing so without support is not respectful to the child. But to belittle them when they make mistakes, berating and shaming them, this is equally disrespectful.

Who is the adult you wish you knew when you were a child? I imagine they were nurturing, by which I mean they did what they could to make a space which facilitated your (emotional, intellectual, spiritual) growth. Perhaps you were privileged enough to have such a person. If not, what a wonderful opportunity to be such a person. That's what I desire and resolve to be each day. Happy New Year to you!

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A return

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Grace and Courtesy

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