Power of concentration

The dictionary defines concentration as the action or power of focusing one’s attention or mental effort. In this day and age, concentration is not often seen or experienced. In the Montessori approach, the development of concentration is already front and center in every aspect. The value of concentration for optimal human development is the foundation of a student’s work.

Maria Montessori recognized, as early as 1906, the ability to concentrate is essential for everything. Although experience molds the brain, it molds only our attending brains. Physical changes in the brain depend on an attentive mental state. Paying attention matters so that the structure of the brain can grow and remake itself. Building attention develops into concentration.

Montessori set out to develop materials that would not only attract the child’s attention but help him to build organization in his mind. In our classrooms at SUIMA, the Sensorial Materials help children to further develop their senses, which help them with their concentration. Outside of school, parents can support this amazing development by being aware of how sensitive young children are to their surroundings.

With concentration, not only are children more successful in their tasks and development, they also become more aware of, and empathic to those around them. Concentration: we could all use a little bit of it each day.

Please come support our 20th year fundraiser, being held on Friday, Feb. 7 in the Hall of Warriors. There will be a silent auction from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. and a Frito Pie and Bake Sale from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. All proceeds go towards our Children’s’ Powwow. Thank you for supporting our school and the students for the last 20 years!