If you’re a parent, you’re your child’s first and most important teacher. One of the hardest Montessori principles for many teachers and parents to adapt to relates to this quote by Maria Montessori:
“Praise, help, or even a look, may be enough to interrupt him, or destroy the activity. It seems a strange thing to say, but this can happen even if the child merely becomes aware of being watched. After all, we too sometimes feel unable to go on working if someone comes to see what we are doing. The great principle which brings success to the teacher is this: as soon as concentration has begun, act as if the child does not exist. Naturally, one can see what he is doing with a quick glance, but without his being aware of it.” (Dr. Maria Montessori, ‘The Absorbent Mind’, Clio Press, 255)
It seems odd to not give attention when a child is doing his or her best work. But that’s what needs to be done to encourage and expand the child’s ability to concentrate.
I created a word art freebie based on that quote. For printing, feel free to download the word art freebie without watermark. If you’d like to share the image online, please use the image with the watermark. Of course, I always appreciate when you link to my post and Facebook page, too.
“The Great Principle Which Brings Success to the Teacher” Montessori Word Art Freebie
To download word art without watermark, click here, then right click on the image and choose “Save Picture As . . .”
More Montessori Inspiration for Parents and Teachers
I have more Montessori word art freebies.
I have a post on helping your child develop concentration at Living Montessori Now.
Here’s another post showing the importance of the child developing concentration: What Does the Montessori Term “Normalization” Mean?
For LOTS of Montessori-inspired activities and ideas, see Living Montessori Now.
Wondering where it’s best to follow me?
If you’re interested in kid-related content, sign up for the Living Montessori Now newsletter. I share my Bits of Positivity parenting and character-education posts in the weekly Living Montessori Now newsletter along with lots of great kids’ activities and Montessori ideas from my Living Montessori Now blog. You’ll get a monthly freebie (and previous monthly freebies) with link and password if you subscribe to the Living Montessori Now weekly newsletter!
If you’re interested in inspiration and motivation, the best place for you will probably be the Bits of Positivity Facebook page. You’ll find lots of inspiration there from the Bits of Positivity blog and from around the Internet. For word art inspiration, be sure to follow me at the Bits of Positivity Facebook page and on Pinterest! Thanks so much!
Learn more about my eBook Montessori at Home or School: How to. Teach Grace and Courtesy!
Leave a Reply