Menu

Grace and Courtesy: Why is it so important?

Grace and Courtesy is a major part of the Practical Life curriculum from infancy through adolescence. You might overlook the Grace and Courtesy curriculum when you first visit a Montessori classroom; unlike Mathematics or Language, there usually isn’t a dedicated shelf or corner for it. However, it is nonetheless an essential part of the curriculum, with set lessons and goals; its „didactic materials“ are the teachers themselves, as well as the children’s community. Its aim is far more than simply teaching etiquette: it is to aid the self-construction of the child in their task to assume their full place in the human community.

Becoming Human

Dr. Montessori observed that children are keenly interested in social conduct and its rules; they quickly integrate and copy role models around them, often unconsciously. During the first six years, in the period of Absorbent Mind, these experiences are said to be incarnated: they become a part of the permanent foundation of the child’s self.

Most social rules and interactions must be learnt and are highly culture-specific. Think, for example, of the many varied behaviors that different cultures consider polite table manners. Now, imagine yourself “dropped” into a foreign culture and trying to navigate it, avoiding offense, without any previous preparation. Wow, it would be priceless to have an expert native guide!

All people are asked to do exactly that actually as children: hopefully with loving families and teachers for guides, we learn – some better, some less well – to act appropriately and function within our society.

The purpose of the Grace and Courtesy curriculum is to offer our children the best possible assistance on this path. Explaining and modeling clearly, we share the most harmonious ways of behaving, relating and communicating, and help children practice and master them. Step by step, from the simplest skills (like saying “excuse me” or shaking hands) children build a “vocabulary” of actions that allows them to act appropriately and feel confident in social settings.

Always learning

One of the key differences between Grace and Courtesy and, say, Mathematics, is that there are times when we as adults are not teaching math. As long as there is a child around us, however, we are always modeling how to be a human being; all we do is, on some level, processed and remembered by the child. And of course, actions always speak louder than words.

If we want the child to internalize kindness, respect and empathy, we must be kind, respectful and empathetic – always. Right, it’s that easy... It may be some relief to point out that when we make mistakes or mistreat others, at least this is the perfect opportunity to show and model other key social skills – a sincere apology and making amends.

What does Grace and Courtesy look like in practice? Read more here.

By Michaela Tučková, IMSP Toddler Teacher

Want to learn more? Read our next article:

WHAT DOES GRACE AND COURTESY LOOK LIKE IN PRACTICE?

Další články

IMSP Podcast: Meet Alumnus Caleb Miller

Introducing our first guest on the IMSP podcast series: Caleb Miller. After graduating from IMSP, he moved back to the United States, finishing his university degree. Caleb and our host, Mariana, chat about independence in childhood, the benefits of multi-age classrooms, and what advice he has for current IMSP Elementary students. While reflecting on his time at IMSP, Caleb looks towards the future as he pursues a career with a global focus. “That's one thing that Montessori, our school, planted in me,” Caleb tells us, “the desire to engage with the world”.

Read more

Food preparation

Food Preparation activities are very popular in a Montessori classroom.  Not only do children enjoy eating food they’ve prepared themselves, but they learn skills throughout the process.

Read more

Toddler & Me Parent Interview Aria & Evangelia

We are pleased to introduce Evangelia and her daughter, Aria who started with IMSP after attending our Toddler & Me course. How did they like it, what have they learned, and what benefit does it bring to their daily life?

Read more

Help! How Can I bring Montessori Into my Home?

You may see your child doing all kinds of productive work at school and then it seems that they are a completely different child at home. Does this happen to you? Toys lying all around the house and maybe your child does not want to clean up, or perhaps you are stuck with a sink full of dishes after dinner with no offers to help. There are some simple adjustments and additions that can easily be made in your home which will help you and your family build a happier and more cooperative household.

Read more

The Independent Child

Why - and how - we nurture independence in our students

Read more
21.05.2019
Join us for an Interactive Open House Register for
Baby & Me
Register for
Toddler & Me
Virtual tour