I’ve been thinking about this
all week, wondering what Maria Montessori would tell or show the teachers. As a
scientist, she would understand the mechanics of it all—certainly more so than
I ever will. I’ve been told there is software (aps) for Montessori teachers to
learn how to present the technical applications and collaborate with the
children’s materials. She recommended waiting until the child was five.
Another person commenting
suggested to wait until the child had the reasoning to make comparisons and did
so through sensorial material. My suggestion is to work with comparisons with
nature and a child’s senses.
It upsets me to see very young
children spending their time pushing buttons on these little game pads that offer limited learning experiences. What is their life missing in the meantime?
Better they spend the time asking live people questions about their world. Let
them use their imagination and wonder about the magic of the technology of our
age. Let them enjoy and learn to appreciate the social joy of verbal and handwriting communication. It’s the
journey that matters.
Please
read my book, Montessori—Living the Good
Life. www.montessoritheory.com