Sue Keller, a Montessori trainer who worked at AMS from ~1985-1995 and is a Montessori trainer in Boulder, Colorado, gave a free lecture open parents and teachers at Midnight Sun Montessori School on 12/7/07. At least 6 AMS parents & teachers attended.
Some key points one parent noted from Sue’s lecture:
It’s a matter of Behavior Understanding, not Behavior Management
From 0-6, the body is in control, not the mind. A change starts at age 3 because language is getting stronger. The more they talk, the more they learn to control their body.
Give them “2 yesses for every no”
Maria Montessori said, “Every useless aid hinders development.” Look for ways to cut the adult out of the picture of a child’s activity.
Recommended reading: Self-Esteem: A Family Affair, by Jean Clarke
Enjoy the ride. Childhood has an expiration date.
Toddler traits: Transductive reasoning (2 unrelated events are related in a toddler’s mind). Everything is alive (ie they think a rock will grow into a mountain). Can only focus on one aspect of an activity at a time.
Ideas: Designate a shelf of the fridge and a cupboard for the kids to help themselves.
Take labels of items you need to the store and let the child find the items.
From 0-3, it takes 8 seconds for a toddler to register what you’ve asked them to do. Ask once. Wait 8-10 seconds, then take action.
BIG THANKS to AMS Mom & Spanish teacher Karen P. for her notes from the lecture!
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