Do Montessori children play?

I was recently introduced to a wonderful article on ‘The Five Characteristics of Play and of Montessori Work’. I this article Peter Grey explains that “when parents observe in a Montessori preschool class, they sometimes comment that the children seem so focused, so serious - with the implied concern that they aren’t exhibiting the wild, loud, impulsive actions one often witnesses when groups of young children are together. At a time when childhood is often equated with being hyper-active, emotional, out-of-control, parents worried that these focused Montessori children might be “missing out” on being children. Implied in this concern is an assumption that the children are unnaturally quiet, that they might be forced by the teachers into this state.

Nothing could be further from the truth! Montessori children are simply deeply engaged in their chosen activities. Their minds are “active and alert, but not stressed.” They are in a flow state. As Dr. Montessori so succinctly put it, “The first essential for the child’s development is concentration. The child who concentrates is immensely happy.” In Montessori, children are engaged for most of the day in activities that fit this very thoughtful definition of play. Montessori is playful learning!”

Parents occasionally observe that there is no “play kitchen” in a Montessori classroom. In Montessori there are no pretend kitchens and no pretend tools. Does this mean the absence of imaginative play? Far from it! Instead of pretending to prepare and serve food, Montessori children have the opportunity to do the real thing. This is why our kitchens are built at child height. Instead of using a plastic knife to to cut a wooden, fake banana, they use a real knife to cut up a real banana. The children who wish to be involved are an active part of, food preparation, laundry, dishes, etc, because they want to be. They are provided with an environment that is so optimised around their capabilities that, while in it, they can be strong, independent and confident. Sometimes that confidence is shown in their ability to ask for help or guidance when needed.

Our Sea Crossing

A learning Story by Janet Tye

Our Wild area became a precarious sea crossing between India and Samoa this afternoon as the wind unexpectedly blew up a severe storm.

With all hands on deck the crew rigged the ship, readied their sea legs and set sail leaving the land lubbers behind. The sea was calm for a start and some took up fishing along the way to pass the time and supplement supplies. The shipmates took up positions and were very innovative, albiet consultative when it came to changing roles but all worked well until the bad weather struck and one sailing master became several, and original self appointed captain faced mutiny from his fellow ship mates when he persisted on rocking the boat. Further complications arose when alien bugs were found in the galley and water was noticed entering the hull." Heave ho" was called by one by throwing out the anchor but he was largely ignored and the anchor failed to hold as the boat rocked from side to side and dragged the anchor. In despair some decided to abandon ship while others were distracted by the alien bugs to the point of befriending them and few were left manning the ship. Chaos all round until a call of "Land Ahoy!" came from the one left manning the Crows nest. All eyes on the horizon and with Samoa in their sights the crew yoho hoed their way to land and disembarked. Some explored the Island while others enjoyed some well deserved R and R.