"The Absorbent Mind"
I've been reading some of Maria Montessori's books again...
I liked this..."Except when he has regressive tendencies, the child's nature is to aim directly and energetically at functional independence. Development takes the form of a drive toward an ever greater independence. It is like an arrow released from its bow, which flies straight, swift and sure. The child's conquest of independence begins with his first introduction to life. While he is developing, he perfects himself and overcomes every obstacle that he finds in his path."
This paragraph got a "good grief" from me..."Alas, the child is forgotten in many more ways than this. (She cites an example of a teacher not being able to find child-sized utensils in the preceding paragraph.) He is the Forgotten Citizen, who lives in a world where there is plenty of everything for everyone else, but nothing for him. In this empty world he wanders aimlessly, getting constantly into mischief, breaking his toys, vainly seeking satisfaction for his spirit, while the adult fails completely to realize what are his real needs."
Remember, Maria Montessori lived from 1870-1952. Long before our child-centered American culture began!
Anyway, she's got some good thoughts on children. Just think for yourself when you read anyone...no one's an expert!
