Happy Friday, everyone. Several years ago, some intrepid educators produced a documentary called Grammar Revolution. (It features Montessori grammar a fair bit, is very thoughtful and entertaining, and is worth checking out.) There was one moment that really stuck with me, in a way that went beyond grammar. It was when an expert on language is asked by the interviewer whether it is valuable to learn the rules of grammar at all. Why should we bother? Young children intuitively, implicitly grasp the grammar of the languages to which they’re exposed. What is really gained by studying that structure explicitly?
Another important frame for “conscious knowledge” is metacognition, which has been shown to be linked to achievement as well as positive self-image. So, the more we can equip and empower children to reflect and document, the better. We use the word “research” with our 2-5yos at Playhood when talking about their play and they record a voice note debrief using WhatsApp to their parents at the end of the week to tell them about what they’ve been doing, to cite a few effective strategies. Conferencing and visual tracking of progress are others.
Very interesting article! It is proved scientifically that we use only 20 percent of our brains till we die. People who challenge themselves mentally may be a bit more. Human mind can reach infinity if it is challenged enough. Enlightened souls like Maria Montessori was aware of this possibility hence she strived to start this process of challenging the brain starting from infancy itself. I totally relate to this article. Beautiful expression!
Another important frame for “conscious knowledge” is metacognition, which has been shown to be linked to achievement as well as positive self-image. So, the more we can equip and empower children to reflect and document, the better. We use the word “research” with our 2-5yos at Playhood when talking about their play and they record a voice note debrief using WhatsApp to their parents at the end of the week to tell them about what they’ve been doing, to cite a few effective strategies. Conferencing and visual tracking of progress are others.
Very interesting article! It is proved scientifically that we use only 20 percent of our brains till we die. People who challenge themselves mentally may be a bit more. Human mind can reach infinity if it is challenged enough. Enlightened souls like Maria Montessori was aware of this possibility hence she strived to start this process of challenging the brain starting from infancy itself. I totally relate to this article. Beautiful expression!