Dr. Maria Montessori considered emotions activities to be an essential part of children’s growth and development. Furthermore, emotions are complex psychological experiences that involve social, psychological, and behavioral aspects.
After becoming a certified Montessori teacher, and especially after becoming the parent of two beautiful children, I went through a transformative process.
I have become child-conscious and can understand the importance of a child’s holistic well-being. However, there are many teachers, parents, caregivers, and even businesses in today’s society that still treat children differently.
Unfortunately, our society discriminates against children by not treating them equally. They are sometimes considered inferior beings. We fail to support a child’s inability to control their emotions.
Moreover, we often find ourselves in situations where our reactions lack control.
To create an environment of acceptance and mutual respect one needs to follow some guidelines that will greatly contribute to a child’s social and emotional development.
Dr. Maria Montessori once said:
“The fundamental problem in education is not an educational problem at all. It is a social one. It consists in the establishment of a new and better relationship between the two great sections of society—children and adults.”
My decade-long teaching experience has taught me how to support children emotionally, thereby making them emotionally strong and supportive.
Montessori Emotional Development:
To understand Montessori’s emotional development, we need to understand the two primary types of emotions –positive and negative.
| Primary Emotions | |
| Positive | Negative |
| Such as curiosity and pleasure that help in building relationships | Such as fear, anger, and sadness which may create obstacles to social interactions. |
Moreover, emotional development involves learning to recognize, understand, and regulate emotions. As a result, I have included the following key aspects:
| Recognizing emotions – | Understanding our own feelings and those of others. |
| Managing emotions – | Effectively handling emotions, particularly in difficult situations. |
| Self-motivation – | Using emotions to drive one and others toward positive goals. |
| Building relationships – | Strengthening emotional communication and connections with others. |
Finally,
- Identify the cause of tantrums.
- Do not brush away tears but empathize with our child’s sadness or frustration.
- Try maintaining positive behaviors and following the old saying:” Practice what you preach.”
Montessori Emotions Activities:
Teaching emotions and feelings to young children is a challenging task. It requires planning and the right approach.
Hence, first of all, I start teaching emotions and feelings to young children using facial expressions and a fun song.
I have found that this approach yields fruitful results in developing their social-emotional skills through interactive learning.
Song: “If you’re Happy and you know it.”
If you’re happy and you know it, show a big smile!
If you’re sad and you know it, frown like this.
If you’re angry and you know it, make a mad face!
If you’re scared and you know it, open your eyes wide!
If you’re surprised and you know it, raise your eyebrows!
Or,
Song: “Can You Show Me?”
(Tune: Do You Know the Muffin Man?)
“Can you show me a happy face,
A happy face, a happy face?
Can you show me a happy face?
Let me see you smile!”
“Can you show me an angry face…
Furrowed brows and lips so tight?”
“Can you show me a sad face…
Frown your lips and close your eyes?”
These songs encourage children to mimic different facial expressions, including:
- Happy Face
- Angry Face
- Scared Face
- Silly Face
- Sad Face
Additionally, I make facial expressions silently. Then I ask them to guess the emotions being expressed. In addition, I guide them to practice making and naming emotions like sleepy, surprised, nervous, and tired.
Grace and Courtesy lessons in Montessori education help children develop essential social and emotional skills, such as:
- Greeting and welcoming others
- Asking for help politely
- Handling materials with care
- Speaking on the mobile phones
- Sneezing with proper etiquette
These may seem trivial tasks but these meaningful lessons provide children with confidence and tools to navigate social and emotional interactions with respect and awareness.
Freedom within Limits in Montessori:
In a Montessori Classroom children are free to explore but must respect others. For example:
- A child cannot take another child’s materials. They cannot even walk or work on others’ mats.
- They can observe and choose materials they have been introduced to.
- This independence is structured. Therefore, children develop self-regulation and respect for their environment.
Sumanta De is an educator. He has been teaching students for more than 16 years following the principles of Dr.Maria Montessori. He has a 7-year-old son and a 5-year-old daughter.
He is nurturing his children abiding by the principles of Dr.Maria Montessori. His passion for Montessori methods goes beyond the classroom.
Hence, he shares his experiences and insights through a dedicated Montessori blog and a YouTube channel under the name “NewChild Montessori”. He aims to offer valuable guidance to both parents and educators.
Education: M.A. English, Masters in Child Psychology & Bachelor’s Degree in Montessori Teachers Training