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

Our Life in Lockdown

We have all had our fair share of complaining about the situation we have found ourselves in since last Spring, but in this article, I wanted to concentrate on the positives this has brought to us.

Read more

IMSP 20th Anniversary

We're excited to celebrate 20 years since IMSP first opened its doors to the Prague community. Two decades spent working with parents, teachers, and staff that share our same passion for holistic education is something we’re proud of. The Montessori method is community-driven, and as we look back on our achievements so far, we want to take time to thank the people that made it all possible.

Read more

Mindful Walks and Experiential Learning in Elementary

Maria Montessori used to walk through the forests in India pulling leaves from trees to teach about their function and structure, digging in the soil to demonstrate the ubiquitousness of life, examining root systems and connecting them to academic ideas.

Read more

The Independent Child

Why - and how - we nurture independence in our students

Read more

Make homemade soap with your toddler!

All you will need is 100g of soap, rubber molds, turmeric powder, lemon or orange essential oils, fresh lemon or orange, and a grater or zester.

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