Supporting Self-Education

Concentration, and encouraging it as early as possible is very much advocated in Montessori education.

How do we encourage concentration? By introducing concepts and materials that works the mind a little more, while not overbearing it. If a thing is too easy, we are bored with it quickly. Likewise when it is too far beyond our capability to grasp, we will lose interest in examining it further. Therefore, it is the observer, i.e. us as teachers of our children, to note and introduce items at the child's pace. If the child plays with it and looks away after a while, it could be that the item presented is too easy. If the child plays and shows frustration, the child may not be ready for the item.

Concentration is also encouraged when we keep ourselves as silent observers as the child works. Interruptions like,"Good job", however infrequent, cuts the depth of concentration. When we try to help/correct our child, as we see him struggle with a task, we are also affecting his effects to strengthen his concentration ability, and at the same time, taking away his joy and satisfaction (self reliance skill as a result) when he works out the issue on his own.

Do we need Montessori materials?

The materials are not a must in the home setting but it certainly helps in a child's learning. They are designed to progress in succession and highlight the quality that is to be taught, for instance, red rods is of the same size and colour except for the length to highlight a difference in height. Thus as a child builds upon his knowledge base, he is constantly amply challenged and thus will strengthen his ability to concentrate.

The materials also have control of error set in them. So the child can see for himself, without the help from adults, if the material has been done correctly.

The materials calls for motor activities of the child as it addresses the innate interests of a child to make and unmake, place and replace things for a long time.