The word education must not be understood in the sense of teaching, but of assisting the psychological development of a child. - Maria Montessori
I love the way she explains the development of the "whole" child. Facilitating is a much more appropriate word than teach is anyway.
It is not enough for the teacher to love the child. She must first love and understand the universe. She must prepare herself, and truly work at it. - Maria Montessori
A teacher must be aware of what she is trying to facilitate and I believe that is what Montessori is saying. It is not enough just to love the child. You must be able to lead their learning in the right direction.
When we strengthen families, we ultimately strengthen the community. Our goal is that parents everywhere work with positive providers, feel confident in their parenting role, and form strong resilient attachments with their children. - T. Berry Brazelton
Our true goal should be in forming strong and supportive families.
After a brief time out, pick up the child to love him afterward. This is hard to do, but critical. As you rock him and hold him, tell him you're sorry that its so hard to learn self-control. I love you, but I can't let you behave this way. When you learn to stop yourself, I won't have to stop you anymore. - T. Berry Brazelton
This is such important advice for so many parents who are so reluctant to exert any authority. It should be printed on diaper bags and billboards!
The more I read of Brazelton, the more I am impressed. I think he is inrpiring and beyond knowledgeable about children, especially infants. I can't wait to read more!
ReplyDeleteMontessori and Brazelton quotes have some commonalities. It is important to care for the whole child and recongnize that they come from a family system with their own beliefs and customs. It is important to establish supportive relationships to help children's development. I also agree with your comment about Brazelton quote about parenting,I believe discipline is a part of loving children.
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