Montessori Key Principles:
Individual development
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What is Individual Development?
Montessori celebrates that every child is a unique individual who develops at their own pace, with their own strengths, interests, and timelines.
This principle respects that children will not all reach milestones at the same time and that a child's learning should be guided by their inner nature, not by a rigid, external timetable.
Why is it important?
Respecting individual development prevents children from feeling pressured to keep up with their peers and allows them to build a deep, genuine understanding of a concept before moving on.
It fosters a healthy sense of self-worth and a lifelong positive attitude towards learning, as they are never made to feel "behind" or "ahead."
How to apply it at home
Avoid comparisons
Don't compare your child's progress to that of siblings or other children. Celebrate their individual milestones and achievements.
Let them work at their own pace
If a child is interested in an activity, allow them to repeat it as many times as they need to until they feel a sense of completion.
Don't rush them
Offer materials for all stages: Keep a variety of materials available that cater to different skill levels, allowing your child to choose what they are ready for.
Focus on effort, not results
Praise the process and the effort your child puts in, rather than just the final product.