Grace and Courtesy Overview
Grace and courtesy in the Montessori classroom refer to the conduct of the children and the quality of their interactions. Courtesy is essential for a civil society. Courtesies such as holding a door for others, saying please and thank you, and interrupting politely go a long way in the support of community building. A sense of community contributes positively to the learning of children by supporting them emotionally and providing them with a sense of belonging. Maria Montessori claimed that children would more likely feel a part of a group if they are able to contribute positively to it (Montessori, 1995).
Grace and courtesy lessons appeal to a child’s need for order as they are based on predictability, fairness, and kindness. Empathy and strong interpersonal skills are developed through these lessons alongside precision of movement. Children learn to consider the social structure they are a part of and even delay their own needs and gratification within that matrix. Children learn skills that help them to be a peaceful contributor to a group, giving them the vocabulary even to understand how they are doing this.
Woven into grace and courtesy lessons is the Montessori philosophy of peace education. The cultivation of peace through education requires awareness, responsiveness, and regular practice.
Grace and courtesy lessons appeal to a child’s need for order as they are based on predictability, fairness, and kindness. Empathy and strong interpersonal skills are developed through these lessons alongside precision of movement. Children learn to consider the social structure they are a part of and even delay their own needs and gratification within that matrix. Children learn skills that help them to be a peaceful contributor to a group, giving them the vocabulary even to understand how they are doing this.
Woven into grace and courtesy lessons is the Montessori philosophy of peace education. The cultivation of peace through education requires awareness, responsiveness, and regular practice.
Please see the attached documents (below) regarding grace and courtesy at home and in the classroom.
Author: Catherine Munro
References:
Montessori, M. (1995). The absorbent mind. (C.A. Claremont, Trans.) New York, NY: Holt, Rinehart, and Wilson. (Original work published 1949).
Author: Catherine Munro
References:
Montessori, M. (1995). The absorbent mind. (C.A. Claremont, Trans.) New York, NY: Holt, Rinehart, and Wilson. (Original work published 1949).
