I have a very amusing story to share, and I must admit it is the result of me not following a child’s lead. I have a wonderful, spirited little boy in my class this year who just turned three years old, and he definitely keeps me on my toes. He is so full of life, and keen to try everything and anything.

For the past couple of weeks, this enthusiastic young Montessori student has been asking to use the Montessori Land and Water forms. Each time, I have redirected him to another activity, explaining that he hasn’t yet had a lesson with them, and letting him know that he will have the chance to work with them one day soon. He asked me again this morning, and I gave him the same response.

Working at the Child’s Pace: Montessori Students and Sensitive Periods

Part way through the morning, a little girl frantically approached me to tell me what this boy was doing and I couldn’t believe it. I walked over to where he was working and “Monty”, our classroom fish, was having a wonderful time … swimming around the island of one of our Land and Water forms! I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. He had taken out the landform that represents ‘the island,’ and placed it on a table right beside Monty the fish. He then proceeded to pour some water (as well as the fish) into the landform.

He had obviously poured the water and the fish ever so carefully, as there were no spills at all on the floor or table … I suppose all of the pouring works that he enjoys have paid off! It was definitely an adventure for Monty and a lesson for me — I may have made more of an effort to follow my student’s interest in working with the land and water forms!

Bree — NAMC Tutor & Graduate