Sunday 27 July 2014

On the Shelf

Whilst sorting through my files during the school holidays I came across some photos from last term of some language work that we were working on:



 
 
I hope to share more with you soon!

Wednesday 9 July 2014

The Herding Effect

Throughout my training it was often discussed. The Herding Effect of the second plane of development. But until you observe it in the classroom nothing can really prepare you for it.

It starts with one child having a little hop as they walk through the class. The next child to walk this path will skip, then the next one skips faster and then finally two more are running after the first three children.

Or the classroom will be harmoniously working and then one child talks a little louder, then another starts a conversation, then someone starts singing.

Obviously this effect is worse in a class that isn't normalized. But it also important to remember that this is the natural instinct of the child in this age group.

Maria Montessori outlines in To Educate the Human Potential how this is part of a natural tendency through which mankind becomes organised. And so I find it only takes a gentle reminder (even a nonverbal cue for the more in-tune child) is all it takes. The child of this age is searching for justice and will test your consistency with such social conventions.    

Ms Becker has an excellent series of posts on honouring the 6-9 child.

Montessori Nuggets also gives a fantastic overview of the planes of development.

My favourite book on the topic of classroom management is Montessori Class Management by Franco Albanesi.