Monday 26 April 2021

How the Montessori Educators are Teaching the Kids Even during Lockdown

As much as it seems like we are getting to a world where no pandemic exists, the truth is the virus is still there at large and we all need to keep up with the safety protocols. This also means, the schools and colleges are closed and we have to get accustomed to the online mode of teaching and learning.

The Montessori teachers are no different and are looking for ways to transform their concrete learning environment into the virtual one. Even though this can be possible with children who has attained a certain age but is definitely a challenging prospect when you think of the age of the Montessori kids.

Most importantly, this is entirely in contrast to the principle of Montessori learning environment. However, as the times are changing, there has to be some thought and preparation that can help the students to focus on their curriculum with the help of the professional Montessori educators that can help the students not lose time just being at home. If you are certified teacher from Montessori distance education programs, you know how it is true that being at home and studying has both its pros and cons.


The cultural curriculum of Montessori


This has been the year where more than ever children need to connect with the cultural curriculum. It is often seen that parents put the most of the focus and attention on language or mathematics or science so cultural curriculum is forever an afterthought. However, if you look online there are a number of cultural subjects which can be educated to the children for greater good. Let's have a look –

  •    Understanding the literature

Most of the libraries are closed, however you can find several websites that are available and offer free download of books and audiobooks. To keep everyone engaged, as a Montessori teacher, you can use the online literature circle to make it a fun thing for the kids. Even for the upper elementary children this can become a favorite time of the day. You can use sentences, grammatical examples and parts of speech from these books to teach them language.

  •     Exploring the Writing

The Montessori training program tell the participants to become a good mentor which means unlike the traditional teachers, they work as a guide for the students. This can be the time when as a mentor you help them develop new writing skills. You can give them challenge to keep up a daily journal. Also, this can be the time when it will ask them to write poetries or get involved in different other types of creative writing. They can write letters to their friends and family whom they cannot meet due to the lockdown.

  •     Math

In all areas of Montessori, this has been a concrete learning subject and takes precedence over any paper pencil work. This is because, before rushing into any abstraction, the mentors help them to focus on the concepts that can help them in concrete learning. Exploring measurement, time, word problems and other logics is a fun activity.

  •     Art and music

Some kids can be more inclined towards music and arts. Again, this can be the best of the time to encourage them in utilizing the time at home in exploring the various types of music and art. You can tell them about the history of the various periods of the evolution of art and music. Eventually, they can also learn to identify the composer or singer.

  •     Advanced practical life

As the schools are closed, it is upon the parents to help the children focus on the importance of knowing household works. There are plenty of practical life activities for children that can be practiced during depending on the age such as setting up the dinner table to sewing on buttons. There are many ways to make these kids learn the importance of lending a helping hand to their parents.

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Thursday 15 April 2021

6 Ways to Encourage Curiosity in Kids

 “The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existence.’’ - Albert Einstein


One of the most wonderful gifts is stimulating the curiosity of your child because it helps them to learn and grow curiosity. It helps to develop healthy imagination as well as a sense of creativity, which are important stepping-stones towards successful future.

There are many ways how you can encourage curiosity in your children during the early years and some of the established methods are as follows -


Answer their questions


If you have done Montessori distance education programs, you will know how the pedagogy says that one of the most important points is to answer all the queries that a child might have. Replies such as 'because I said' or 'because that is how it work' is not a very good answer because it will only rise confusion. Also, this will discourage him/her from learning anything in future. Try to give your child an engaging answer on the topic in a way that is understandable. You can also encourage them to look for ideas at possible places such as in books, magazines, or internet so that can make them self dependent in finding out reasons all by themselves.

Be curious yourself


When your children are trying to learn something, be curious with them. Also if you are their role model, they will be observing everything you do. So, you can pick their curiosity by acting curious on your own. Make it a point to ask for questions which can serve as their learning point. Basic questions about how there is a rainbow after rain or why a certain sauce is more tangy than the others can be basic things to make your child engaged in the daily ideas and tasks.

Take a break from the routine


While it is always advised to have a set of routine or activities, you can make small changes in their daily tasks that can stimulate their thinking and also encourage curiosity. But in some instances, when you change the daily breakfast menu with new dishes and favours they might ask how it is made; or you can share why you made a certain special dish on certain special day.

Encourage to pursue their interests


Curiosity is one of the most important factors that can let a child grow in their own pace and space. If your child is showing interest in topics and activities which are not exactly academics, allow them to pursue the same. Give them the freedom to explore what they are interested in while keeping a proper supervision. Their interest and curiosity will pave the way for their learning and also open up new experiences. It is never good to with scolding such as 'keep the guitar away and complete your homework'. It can have negative impact on the child.

Share open-ended stories


There are many ways to make your child bedtime stories interesting. One of the best ways to improve their creativity is to leave them with open ended stories. In Montessori Training, it is said that once a child is left with more curious options, they can create their own imagination.

Leave them with surprises


This is also a way of showing that you care for them. So, when you are packing their lunch box or when you are having a vacation planned, add some positive surprises which can do wonder to boost a child's mood as well as curiosity.

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