Work and purposeful activity

Maria Montessori observed that children learn through purposeful activities of their own choosing. Montessori schools call all the children’s activities “work.” While the term “work” sounds like a serious endeavor, Dr. Montessori observed that children exhibit joy and experience this purposeful activity as “play.”

When you put this into the perspective of an adult “working” in the garden, the adults work to perfect the environment. When a child chooses “work,” he or she is working to perfect him or herself.

Many adults think that “play” should be the correct word, in fact, when a child chooses “work” it supports the child to grow into a confident adult. This doesn’t mean that a child should never play. Play is vital to a child’s formative years. Maria Montessori believed that sometimes, even more than play, children enjoy challenging tasks that increase their concentration, coordination, competence, and ultimately their independence.

Think of a young child seeing you at “work.” You often hear that child saying “I can do it” or “Let me do it.” This is a way for the child to fulfill the deeper inner need of being independent. “Work” activities you can let your child do at home are: Rolling pie dough; making fry bread; watering plants; matching and folding socks; and decorating cookies.

 

 

Upcoming events:

 

Nov. 12 – PAG school meeting is cancelled. PAG encourages families to attend the Veteran’s dinner being held at the Ignacio High School.

Nov. 13 – Picture retakes.

Nov. 20 – SUIMA’s annual Thanksgiving meal.

Nov. 21 – Cultural activities at the Culture Center 9a.m. – 3p.m.