What is Grace and Courtesy in Montessori Education

10 months ago · Updated 9 months ago

After I talked so much about how important it is to train children to be able to focus and concentrate first before we start them on Grace and Courtesy.

Young boy and adult woman engage in a hand-clapping game, exemplifying Montessori practical life skills. — **Respectful Interactions**: This image illustrates a moment of exchange between a teacher and a child, embodying the Montessori principle of grace and courtesy through respectful, gentle hand gestures that foster mutual respect and understanding.

I am actually quite afraid of well-meaning friends who bring their children to my school to "play-play" so that their children can learn to focus and concentrate. They usually leave me with a classroom that looks like it was just visited by a hurricane!

Content

Understanding Montessori Education

Understanding Montessori Education

Montessori education is actually more than just "playing" with the apparatus. Children who are not trained on how to handle the equipment, children whose bodies and spirits are not in tune, will not know how to behave in the classroom or pay attention when handling the Montessori apparatus.

They would just treat them like any other toys; after the initial excitement, they would just dump them aside and/or not want to return them to where they belong.

Children who are not trained to be aware of their body movement might either run wild or bump into things in the classroom.

The Importance of Grace and Courtesy Exercises

That's why it's very important for us to teach the grace and courtesy exercises first, before we let them handle the apparatus. It will be too late to chase after them and shout after them when they start to go wild in the classroom. It's really not the children's fault, so we shouldn't punish them for that. We need to give them the training they need, so that they are aware of their movements and the noise they produce.

Child learning to shake hands with an adult, demonstrating Montessori grace and courtesy activities. — **Learning Polite Greetings**: Showcases a teacher greeting a child with a handshake, a fundamental practice in Montessori education to teach children about polite greetings and the importance of acknowledging others warmly and respectfully.

Walking on the line and the silent game are two important exercises that help the children to be aware of their body movement and get in tune with their inner spirit. It may sound like real mystery, but I assure you, it's not. It's the secret behind a "quiet" Montessori classroom.

Discussion on Grace and Courtesy in Montessori Education

Purpose Beyond Play: Montessori is not simply about play; it's a structured method that includes learning how to properly use and respect classroom materials. It's essential for children to understand that Montessori materials are not ordinary toys.
Importance of Early Training: Before children are introduced to academic subjects or even Montessori materials, they need foundational training in grace and courtesy to manage their behavior and interactions in the classroom environment.
Awareness of Movement and Sound: Many behavioral issues in the classroom stem from children not being aware of their movements or the noise they create. Training in grace and courtesy addresses these issues effectively.
Proactive Discipline: Instead of reactive measures like chasing or shouting, which are often too late and ineffective, Montessori emphasizes preemptive training in behavior and movement.
Foundational Exercises: Exercises such as Walking on the Line and the Silent Game are not just activities; they are crucial for helping children gain control over their bodies and become attuned to their internal states.

Montessori Parents should do

Introduce Grace and Courtesy at Home: Begin teaching your child simple grace and courtesy exercises at home. For example, practice walking quietly, handling objects gently, and using polite language.
Create a Prepared Environment: Designate a specific area in your home where your child can practice these exercises, similar to a Montessori classroom. This area should be orderly and calm to encourage proper handling and respect for materials.
Model Desired Behaviors: Children learn a great deal from observing adults. Consistently demonstrate grace and courtesy in your daily actions and interactions. Show how to handle items with care, move gracefully, and speak respectfully.
Use Positive Reinforcement: Acknowledge and praise your child when they demonstrate grace and courtesy. Positive reinforcement makes children feel valued and motivates them to continue behaving appropriately.
Set Clear Expectations: Clearly communicate your expectations about how to treat materials and move around the house. Children thrive with clear boundaries and are more likely to meet expectations when they understand them.
Practice Patience and Consistency: Learning grace and courtesy skills takes time and repetition. Remain patient and consistent with your child as they learn to integrate these behaviors into their daily routines.

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Chris Palomino

Hi! I'm Chris Palomino, a B.S. in Psychology, and a mother of a precious one-year-old girl. Over the past eight years, I've been guiding children, particularly those aged 3 to 6 facing developmental and learning challenges, with a special focus on autism and ADHD.