CULTURE

“Our work is not to teach, but to help the absorbent mind in its work of development. How marvelous it would be if by our help, if by an intelligent treatment of the child, if by understanding the needs of his physical life and by feeding his intellect, we could prolong the period of functioning of the absorbent mind!” - Maria Montessori.
Childhood is the time to plant seeds which will blossom later. By allowing the child to explore with his/her senses rather than merely reading a textbook an empirical attitude is fostered. The child should be encouraged to prove things for him/herself. An important tool in developing this empirical attitude is observation. In presenting the child with opportunities to really see and listen, his/her powers of observation are improved. Further, through involvement with nature with both mind and body, the child’s ability to concentrate grows. Exploration with living things then helps to train the child’s senses and enables him/her to perceive more precisely.
Throughout the cultural area, the adult wonders with the child, guiding the child to his/her own discoveries. The key is that we experience together with the child instead of telling the child what to experience. Discovery is what it is all about!