This is a hallmark of a Montessori classroom. It’s an intention. Teaching grace and courtesy is a deliberate way of helping children build community in their peer group by learning the means of being kind, helpful, supportive and inclusive to all. Teachers in the classroom begin by modeling grace and courtesy in many ways throughout the morning. We speak respectfully to children and each other. We demonstrate good manners. Then we talk about these behaviors in very overt ways.
The children practice manners and kindness every day. Children greet one another every morning…Saying good morning. How are you? They are encouraged to help one another throughout the day. Some examples are: the older children model helpful ways of giving younger children lessons. If a child spills something, we encourage other children to help them clean it up.
Children only need permission to act on their natural impulses to help, comfort, or guide another child. It usually starts with one act of kindness and it catches on like wildfire. Children can be great emotional support to each other when needed. They can also solve many social problems that arise better than we adults can. They have a level of understanding of the problem, and with simple guidance from an adult, they can reconcile any differences in a much more satisfactory way for all parties involved.
We love watching the children become a cohesive group throughout the year. Learning grace and courtesy brings a very civilized and calm feel to the classroom. Each child knows they can make a positive difference in their classmates’ day. And that feels good to them.
It feels good to the teachers as well to witness it unfolding!
Capturing grace and courtesy in a picture is hard. It’s all in the words they choose and what they are saying. But here is a peak at a few things we see each day.
Greeting on another at circle time each morning.
Taking care to help a child clean up the spilled beans.
Comforting a sad friend on the playground.
Telling her friend, “You are so cute!”
Kindergartners celebrating with each other at the end of the year.
Helping a younger child get her indoor shoes on.