I thought it would be a good idea to quickly discuss why we use a work mat in the Montessori classroom. This post in the link gives 3 explanations that may help us better understand the use of a mat.
Here's my summary along with my own thoughts:
Why we use a mat in our classroom:
1-helps us define our work space
2-encourages respect for other people's space and work.
3-helps us to maintain peace and organization in the classroom.
4- allows children to Delight in giving meaningful contribution in the classroom allows children to feel accomplished and delighted as that they are contributing to the classroom in meaningful ways.
5- provides a sense of security for children
Why this is good for the children:
1-children thrive on order. When their environment is predictable/consistent and orderly they feel a deep sense of security, which they need.
2-children learn to care for others as they carefully avoid walking on other children's mats, take care not interrupt other children while they are working, and wait patiently to work on items that other children are already using. They learn to care for their classroom, keeping their work in a maintained space, either in their mats or at the table. This also helps them to avoid any overwhelm with cleaning work. Cleaning and maintaining independence and freedom becomes manageable When children can see their work before them on a mat, and understand that they must put their work away before choosing other material. When they don't follow these guidelines cleaning their work becomes unmanageable, and overwhelming causing the child to feel that he or she is incapable of making meaningful contributions towards a clean classroom.?They learn patience as they take turns with work. Some children may watch quietly as others complete work- so as not to disturb their classmate. This is also an excellent learning opportunity for them. As a child watches another complete work, they are quietly learning how to use the work themselves.
Perhaps the biggest reasons I love mats in the classroom is this: children thrive on independence. They want to be able to do things in their own. They want to be able to succeed. They are deeply interested in learning how to care for their environment. They find delight in seeing that they are making a meaningful contribution in the classroom.
Here's my summary along with my own thoughts:
Why we use a mat in our classroom:
1-helps us define our work space
2-encourages respect for other people's space and work.
3-helps us to maintain peace and organization in the classroom.
4- allows children to Delight in giving meaningful contribution in the classroom allows children to feel accomplished and delighted as that they are contributing to the classroom in meaningful ways.
5- provides a sense of security for children
Why this is good for the children:
1-children thrive on order. When their environment is predictable/consistent and orderly they feel a deep sense of security, which they need.
2-children learn to care for others as they carefully avoid walking on other children's mats, take care not interrupt other children while they are working, and wait patiently to work on items that other children are already using. They learn to care for their classroom, keeping their work in a maintained space, either in their mats or at the table. This also helps them to avoid any overwhelm with cleaning work. Cleaning and maintaining independence and freedom becomes manageable When children can see their work before them on a mat, and understand that they must put their work away before choosing other material. When they don't follow these guidelines cleaning their work becomes unmanageable, and overwhelming causing the child to feel that he or she is incapable of making meaningful contributions towards a clean classroom.?They learn patience as they take turns with work. Some children may watch quietly as others complete work- so as not to disturb their classmate. This is also an excellent learning opportunity for them. As a child watches another complete work, they are quietly learning how to use the work themselves.
Perhaps the biggest reasons I love mats in the classroom is this: children thrive on independence. They want to be able to do things in their own. They want to be able to succeed. They are deeply interested in learning how to care for their environment. They find delight in seeing that they are making a meaningful contribution in the classroom.
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