It’s middle of the morning and the children have spent a bulk of the morning working on a variety of activities. They are now seated, intently listening to a book being read. Aunty is reading to the children about safety. I hear her engage in conversations while she reads the book. “Do you wear a helmet, when you ride your tricycle?” Couple of heads nod and one child screams ‘Yes’ enthusiastically. “We close our mouth when we eat..” Aunty mimics chewing with a closed mouth and children follow suite. The book showcasing illustrations grabs children’s attention and so does the skill of the teacher in engaging them while reading. It is incredible to see that a group of 7-8 children made up of 1.5 to 2.5 year olds, is listening intently for almost 15 minutes. None of them seem restless. They are all looking at the book, then aunty and then each other as they relate to aspects of the book shared by the teacher.
One child has decided not to join the group. She is looking at models of carpentry tools and the other teacher gives her the names of the objects, as she holds them up one by one. She is also intermittently listening to the book that is being read to the group. One child decides to break out of the group to match some animals and picture cards. Freedom of movement and freedom of choice are children’s privileges in class. Within the group the reading continues.
There is more excitement coming up. Today aunty is going to cut a watermelon in front of the children. Children sit down around a mat and a large watermelon is laid in the center. One child doesn’t like watermelon. She says ‘na’. She chooses to sit next to the group at the table, looking at a book. The group activity begins as aunty hands the watermelon around and lets children feel the weight. She continues to carry it while children feel the weight. It is very heavy. The children watch with curiosity as the watermelon is cut. They get to smell it and then the process of scooping it begins. The child who chose not to join the group is invited to smell the watermelon and she indulges herself too. Aunty starts scooping first and one by one children get their turn. The delicious, sweet juice is oozing out of the watermelon and all the children look energized by the sensory treat. They all wait patiently for their turn to scoop. They are not eating yet. Eating will be at the table once scooping is done. When all have had a chance, the children move to the table. The scooped watermelon has been put into bowls and ready to be relished. The process of cutting, scooping and waiting has made the watermelon extra sweet today.
What did children gain from these group sessions today – some tangibles, some intangibles. Children gained information on safe behavior, listened to language as aunty read the book, experienced the shape, appearance, weight, smell taste of the watermelon and more. They exercised patience as they sat and listened to aunty and their friends. They exhibited comfort and confidence while speaking up or non-verbally participating in a group and sharing their experiences too. They exercised will power while waiting for their turn to scoop and eat and they felt a sense of community when they all shared the watermelon. They also learnt that they have the right to make a choice and they felt respected when their choices were honoured.
~Ashani
Send your comments and feedback to ashani@davincimontessori.com