How do we get the children to do work without being asked? If a child is absolutely not interested in a determined material, what can be done? How do we motivate children to practice their lessons?
Deep interest is the key to learning and to optimal development. Such interest cannot be requested, forced, or commanded. But it can be invited, enticed, and generated through indirect preparation. Our work is to observe for interest, readiness, and personality; then connect the child to matching activities. Easily said – but accomplishing this will vary depending upon the child’s age, level of normalisation, and relationship of trust with the guiding adult, and requires astute observation skills, ingenuity, and deep reflection on the art of Montessori education. Focus on these six factors to craft your own answers to these questions.
