Edison's Day

I was shown a short video today, called 'Edison's Day'. It focuses on two Montessori teacher parents, with a young son named Edison. They have set up their entire house in order to allow Edison to be a part of the family in the most Montessori way possible. It is a testament to the idea that truly, Montessori is everywhere.

In the video, Edison does most things for himself. He spreads his own peanut butter and toast for breakfast, he helps to wash the dishes, he picks out his own clothing and puts it on. He is responsible for his own learning, and one can truly see how this style works in the child's best interest.

I can't find the video now. It's offered by NAMTA (North American Montessori Teachers' Association), so you can look for it there. I suggest everyone who has an interest in early childhood education, or just children in general, to watch it. It really is amazing.

One of the best moments, for me, was when Edison's father said: "We don't live around him. We live with him." Edison is included in activities and decisions in the household, and knows that he has a role in the family. This is so important to me. Too often I see parents telling their children to Hurry up!, Walk faster!, Don't do that! Parents often forget that children are people too, and that they must adjust their pace of life to the child as well. Watching this video really put that into place in my mind, something I will never forget.

Until the next time...