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Understanding Practical Life Series: Part 4 The DirectressJuly 12, 2008 by Miss Norma | No comments

As a Montesorrian your role as a teacher must be fully comprehended and respected to give the child the greatest learning experience. Two quotes that bring into focus the epitome of the Directress: “The teacher thus becomes a director of the children’s own spontaneous work. She is silent and passive (Montessori, 1985, 319) and “This is the first duty of an educator; stir up life, but leave it free to develop” (Montessori, 1985, 111).

These quotes are excellent words to ponder when reinforcement and motivation are needed for the Directress. This approach coincides with the Practical Life exercises natural allowance for controlled error. To begin the Directress presents the activity. Following the Directress’ presentation the child is allowed, unhindered, to utilize the activity as much or little as they deem appropriate. This all occurs without the intervention of adults. The spontaneous free will of learning is the goal during these periods. Fear and failure are eliminated because accomplishments during these times can be achieved through self perfection. Didactic materials that have self-correcting properties are the preferred learning tool. The child will improve and correct him or herself without any uneasy feeling of interference from the Directress.

This very personal growth touches upon the spiritual aspect of the learning process. The child is becoming self aware and this awareness is one of positivity. Accomplishment on one’s own terms and pace feeds the soul; the child is the benefactor. The unwavering understanding that children are beings capable of self-directed learning is paramount. The delicate balance that needs to be achieved by the teacher is crucial. She must be a great reader of the child’s need and capabilities.

Whether or not the child is ready for a particular action is to be judged by the educator. Next the teacher will bring the child to fulfilling work that will encourage the ultimate self confidence. The combined abilities to analyze readiness followed by the skill to guide the child to the tasks properly in order to highlight the child’s personal strength are key attributes of a Montessorian Directress.

The child will grow through independent work utilizing the Practical Life materials. That growth will be aided by the cross-learning that naturally occurs through communication the child experiences with peers. The verbal interaction with the fellow learners surrounding the child is a tool in itself that enhances verbal prowess. These active principles are the reason the Montessori Method is instrumental in the development of students with ultra keen social cognition skills.