As parents or caregivers, we all want to know how our children spend their time and what they learn each day. However, it can be challenging to get a straight answer from young children when we ask them, "What did you do today?" Often, their response is a vague "nothing" or "I don't know." This can be especially frustrating for parents of Montessori students, who value the importance of their child's education and want to be involved in their learning journey. We will explore why the answer to "What did you do today?" is often different for Montessori students, and what you can do to get a more meaningful response.
Montessori Education
In Montessori education, the focus is on the child's individual learning journey. Unlike traditional education, where all students are taught the same material in the same way, Montessori students are encouraged to learn at their own pace and follow their own interests. This means that each child's day may look very different from the next, and their activities and experiences may not always be easy to describe.
Furthermore, Montessori students are often engaged in self-directed learning, which means they have a lot of autonomy over their activities and may not be able to give a clear account of everything they did. They may have spent the day exploring the practical life materials, working on a mathematics concept, or participating in a cultural lesson, but they may not remember all the details or be able to explain them in words.
So, what can you do to get a more meaningful response when you ask your Montessori child, "What did you do today?"
Tips for Asking Better Questions
Be specific: Rather than asking a broad question, try to ask more specific questions about their day. For example, "Did you work on any new materials in the classroom today?" or "What was your favourite activity today?"
Ask open-ended questions: Avoid questions that can be answered with a simple "yes" or "no." Instead, ask questions that encourage your child to elaborate on their experiences, such as "Tell me about something interesting you learned today."
Observe their work: If possible, try to observe your child's work in the classroom or during virtual learning. This will give you a better understanding of what they're doing and provide a starting point for conversation.
Trust the process: Remember that Montessori education is focused on the child's individual journey, and it's not always easy to see the progress they're making. Trust that your child is learning and growing, even if they can't always articulate everything they did in a day.
In conclusion, the answer to "What did you do today?" may be different for Montessori students, but that doesn't mean they're not learning and growing. By asking specific, open-ended questions and observing their work, you can gain a better understanding of your child's educational journey and support them in their learning.