Grace and Courtesy
The Montessori lessons in grace and courtesy are an important part of the curriculum and can be found at every classroom level. These particular lessons are designed to help the student to learn cooperation, socialization, and to also help navigate friendship and collaboration. As with classroom rules and procedures, the lessons in grace and courtesy are given at the beginning of the school year and reviewed as needed.
Presentation Examples
* Accepting or declining an invitation * Speaking softly * Holding the door
* Asking permission * Waiting for help * Placing a hand on a shoulder
* Excusing oneself * Serving snack * Using proper table manners
* Greeting or saying goodbye * Refusing help * Leaving things better than you
* Helping or accepting help * Walking carefully found them
* Observing a lesson * Using kind language * Returning items to the proper
* Requesting privacy * Using gentle hands place
Mahan, K.A. (2018). Adventure. Frederick, CO: Ohana Montessori.
Anywhere
These lessons can be given anywhere and at anytime. This is an area of Montessori that can really be supported at home.
The lessons of grace and courtesy are incredibly important for the children to learn and will serve them throughout their lives. Simply invite the child to the lesson or discussion. Offer guidance or an example of the desired behavior followed by practice or role play. Answer any questions the child might have and feel free to extend their learning when appropriate. Review these lessons when necessary, and be sure to model proper behavior at all times.