Montessori Radmoor

Freedom and Responsibility 

Within our classroom, we give a great amount of freedom to the children. When we give freedom, we also give expectations and guidelines. Freedom is given with the mutual understanding that the child will fulfill the expectations given along with following the guidelines. Something that we explain to the children in the class, on an individual and group basis is that when you get freedom, you also have responsibility. You, the child, are responsible for following the given expectations and guidelines. It is really important that we explain expectations and guidelines in order for the child to be successful. If a child is given freedom but is not showing responsibility it is then up to the adult to either talk with them about what is happening or remove some of that freedom. It is this vital conversation or logical consequence that helps the child to grow and learn. 

With building our classroom on this foundation of freedom with responsibility, we are helping to develop self-regulated children. Children want freedom within the classroom and the more we talk with the children about the responsibility they need to have in order to have freedom, the more successful they will be. 

With this concept, communication between the adult and the child is essential. It is important that when we speak to them, we are very clear with our words. Things should not be implied, however, be very black and white. In making our communication black and white, the child is able to understand what exactly they did, or need to do in order to have more freedom. 

I hope that everyone has a great winter break. I look forward to seeing everyone next year!

Sincerely,

Sara

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