What delights a child

You may wonder as to what does a child delight in? And you may be surprised to know that systems and order is what a child wants! 

It could be an initial response to gentle disciplining, or a journey of imbibing them over a period of time, but nevertheless, the child responds well to systems. To be able to find things in the right place, to know its way around, gives the tiny tots great comfort. 

This is also a very important aspect of the Montessori Methodway. It is not just that the tools & equipment is kept in specific places within easy reach of the child. But the three period lesson that is so classic to Montessori education gives the toddler an opportunity to explore, handle, discover, but then put her/his tools away properly at the end of the session. This could be rolling the mat precisely and placing it in the right spot after sitting/working on it, placing shoes properly before entering the environment, or having a snack neatly and with appreciation!

The discovering mind is capable of so much, and responds well to firm handling. If that is carried forward by parents in the home environment, it helps the child grow at the right pace. The process has to be gentle, whereby you cater to the curiosity and needs of the toddler and give the child the experiences of delight within a well planned framework. Each activity has a control of error which impels the child to think, to figure out simple solutions, and lastly, to celebrate growth and learning. 

The process of education, when delightful, creates responses and satiates the curiosity inherent in the tiny mind. A joyous education system is so much more than mechanical rote learning, be it colours, numbers or language. And these memories are retained in the toddler's mind, which blossoms forth to embrace life!