Re-forming the space

When children in a Waldorf kindergarten misbehave, it usually means they have "fallen out of the form" of the moment. How can we recreate the form around them? I have found a number of things that work well. For example, if a child becomes too loud or too silly at snack time, I stand behind him and begin straightening the chair, fixing his place mat, cup, plate - in other words "re-forming" the space around him.

So begins this exerpt from Beyond the Rainbow Bridge. It explains so nicely the "why" of orderliness, namely the effect of the environment on the child. It wisely suggests that by creating order around a restless or unruly child we can help instill ordered behavior from the outside in. It helps us 'save our no's':

If we save our "no's" for situations where children are doing something dangerous or when they may damage someone's belongings, they will more readily listen to those "no's" when they are necessary. If we use the word "no" too often or indiscriminately, children soon learn to ignore it

Montessori for Everyone has gathered a number of posts elaborating on this theme. As she says, "A little bit of thought goes a long way." I have given more than a little thought to environment as we begin a new school year, especially since our school room was visited by my one-man wrecking crew on a couple occasions this summer ("Oh puzzles! Oh beads! Oh...!") I trust that reforming this space will reap even more benefits than the reforming of the other rooms that has happened so far.

A couple tidbits from Montessori for Everyone:

Go for form and function In the Montessori prepared environment, every part of the room should be beautiful. While there are often budget limitations, it’s important to use attractive, sturdy shelves, tables, and chairs. Whenever possible, materials should be “real” (wood, glass, bamboo) and not plastic. The children will rise to the level of the materials, and show more care in handling them if they are good quality.

We have been gathering real wicker baskets to replace plastic storage where possible. I would like to eventually get some fabric crates as well.

Control the environment, not the children

Like was said before. Do more of the one and you need to do less of the other.

and finally, my mantra

Less is more Don’t cram the shelves till they’re overflowing. This is confusing and bewildering to the children, and makes it harder for them to make good work choices. Better to put out a few exquisitely beautiful materials than a shelf full of mediocre ones. Better to have one gorgeously framed painting than a wall full of cheap posters.

Comments

[Wendy (back) in VA]

Great post! Makes me think of "Preserve order, and order will preserve you." :o)

[Maria P]

Love this line:

"Control the environment, not the children."

[Tracey (Connections)]

Thanks. You inspired me to revisit the play spaces of the house today. I have never fully utilzed the idea of rotating toys, learning items, etc. I plan to put this into action this year! Now to get to the last two bedrooms... (and hope the rest of the house stays in order while I do!)

[Annette]

I love how you're able to find truth in a variety of methods, Waldorf and Montessori alike. This definitely helped my eclectically homeschooling self. Thank you!