As I have studied the Montessori method of education, I have seen my own view of myself, as well as my role in the process of assisting the child take on a whole new attitude.  I no longer see myself as the person in control of everything.  Through many years of reading Montessori’s books, and closely observing and interacting with children,

I have found these 5 things to be true:

1)  Children have within them a deep, almost overwhelming desire to be independent.

2)  The majority of children have a “joy” for the simplest of things in life.

3)  Like many adults, children learn by doing and not just listening.

4)  Within children there is a natural empathy or caring for others that grows when they are allowed and encouraged to help others.

5) Sometimes when children exhibit challenging behaviors it is because they are bored and not fully engaged with an activity of interest to them.

So what can we do with the acknowledgement of these 5 simple truths? 

We need to create an environment for them where we respect and see the beauty in childhood.  It begins with our thoughts and attitudes toward children, realizing how very intelligent they are! 

“The teacher needs to acquire a deeper sense of dignity of the child as a human being; a new appreciation of the significance of his spontaneous activities; a wider and more thorough understanding of his needs; and a quicker reverence for him as the creator of the adult-to-be.”     Maria Montessori, Her Life and Her Work,  E.M. Standing,  p. 298 - 299

Montessori observed that we really do not “teach” the children, rather the child watches and observes those in this environment and mimics and imitates what he sees.   If we are to aid the children in their growth, then we need to look at the environment that our children are exposed to, whether in a classroom or in the home.  We as the adults need to look at ourselves.  

Do we strive to be the BEST that we can be?

Are we joyful or do we allow others or circumstances in life to rob our joy?  How can we have joyful and happy children when the adults in their world are overwhelmed, unhappy or frustrated?   I want to challenge you to do as the saying dictates….  “Don’t sweat the small stuff.”  ENJOY life and the small miracles seen every day.”

Enjoy doing things with the children in your life, encouraging them to be independent.  Whether it is cooking dinner, doing an art project, playing on a playground or simply singing together!   Having joy is a choice. 

The very last thing is to keep the children engaged and learning in our classroom presentations or activities at home.  Things that they are interested in and cannot wait to get in contact with.  When you realize these 5 simple truths, study them and then act upon them in your environments:   You and the children will ENJOY life together!