Lakshmi A. Kripalani is one of Montessori's own students and strong advocate for the method. She is often referred to as a Montessori sage. She was at the feet of Maria Montessori, the head of a school, a teacher trainer, an author, and has given many lectures on Montessori education.
In the article "The child's choice is the clue" she reminds us of the true meaning of the sequence of Montessori materials. She tells us clearly that: "The sequence is not for the children to follow mechanically. The sequence is for the teachers"(2010). This places an even greater emphasis on the importance of observing each child. Through observations we can see the specific needs of an individual child and thus the correct sequence for this individual.
Yet so many materials rely on each other. Should a child be able to do the number rods before having been introduced to the red rods? Of course this would depend on the teachers observations but does it not also illustrate a certain need for following the sequence of materials?
What are your thoughts? Do we too often rely on the "correct" sequence and place unnecessary barriers on a child's independence or is the sequence not just for the teacher as Lakshmi reminds us?
Kripalani, L. A. (2010) The child’s choice is the clue, Montessori Central, retrieved on September 21st 2013 from http://jola-montessori.com/article/lakshmi-a-kripalani-8/
A thoughtful question, Miss Meert. Doesn't the truth lie somewhere in the middle? Observation of the child is absolutely key, of course!
ReplyDeleteIt seems to me that the materials have a logical sequence related to the subject (like math builds from the Number Rods to the large Bead Frame) AND a sequence designed
for the child's development. A brilliant insight of Dr. Montessori.
Well, when the rubber hits the road, follow the child. Give the interest, give the challenge. There is nothing, NOTHING more boring than getting led by the nose through materials and concepts you already know/ have abstracted. Same is true for the child. So a teacher must observe a child so she can 'plug' him into the right developmental place in the logical sequence.
Yes! Balance is key! But it is an important reminder to us that it is ok to deviate from the sequence based on our observations of a child's unique needs.
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