Self-regulation is difficult for very young children, but most kids have developed enough to begin learning the importance of self-regulation by the time they enter private kindergarten. Prior to that age, their brains have not yet developed the skills and critical thinking abilities for self-regulation. Once they have, the benefits are numerous and include things such as these 4 beneficial examples.
- Self-Control and Social Order
Even though the activities taking place in a Montessori classroom are largely chosen individually by the children, the environment is orderly and quiet. This is largely due to the fact that Montessori kindergarten children are taught self-control and courtesy from daycare onward. They are taught that courtesy and grace are essential in any social environment, and that creates a more structured environment for everyone to enjoy.
- Sharing is Caring
Under the Montessori Method, that sort of unwanted behavior is curbed through consistency, guidance, and communication. Children are shown how sharing attracts friendly responses, something that all children prefer over animosity or anger. Teaching kids the importance of using empathy is a developmental milestone that can only be undertaken around the age of 6 because children are simply incapable of thinking beyond re and now before they have reached the intellectual age of a kindergarten pupil.
- Learning to Focus
Montessori materials are self-teaching tools that require children to observe the activity and recognize their errors. For this to work, children have to be able to focus more clearly on the task at hand, a developmental achievement that only comes when a child can regulate their emotions and apply critical thinking skills.
- Developing Self-Esteem
Another vital aspect of Montessori education is helping children develop a strong sense of worth and personal value. This is done through inclusion and achievement, such as being invited to take part in an activity or completing a project without having to ask for help. Instead of directly approaching these developmental goals, they are an underlying part of the Montessori Method. Simply explained, children gain self-respect by achieving goals that result from self-regulation and a desire to succeed.
Self-regulation is not so much taught as it is a result of learning other important developmental skills. The Montessori Method is a whole-child teaching philosophy that is designed to teach a wide variety of developmental skills as children work with engaging and entertaining Montessori activities.