One of our original BMS families had three sons who each attended our school. Upon the youngest son starting with us, his brother (then in middle school) proclaimed that BMS was his “favorite school because it is so happy.” The reason that our classrooms at BMS, RMS and SMS are joyful is largely due to the whole child’s needs being met (socially, emotionally and intellectually).
These three developmental areas are interconnected in a Montessori classroom. I dare say, however, that social and emotional development must be nurtured and strengthened before a child’s intellectual development can truly take hold.
Dr. Daniel Goleman, a leading psychologist and one of the original experts in the field of “Emotional Intelligence”, “asserted that children’s emotional and social skills can be cultivated” leading to well-being, performance and success in life. He defines five crucial competencies:
- Awareness of self and others: identifying feelings, understanding actions affect others’ feelings
- Mood management: regulating feelings, controlling impulses
- Self-motivation: able to set goals and persevere to attain them
- Empathy: caring for others, identifying with others
- Management of relationships: making friends, resolving conflicts, cooperating
These five competencies are perfectly aligned to the Montessori method of education.
Families and teachers can further boost their children’s social and emotional development, leading to happy and productive children.
- Show affection – hug, cuddle, read, talk with your child
- Encourage new skills – show your pleasure of their accomplishments
- Allow play times – model kind and generous behaviors with friends
- Show your feelings – a variety of feelings are ok and teaches empathy
- Establish routines – builds confidence and security
- Acknowledge your child’s feelings –talk about how they are feeling, comfort upset children
There is a wealth of fun children’s books available to help teach important skills together. Check out your local library or book store or ask your child’s teacher.
