The Power of Fresh Eyes
The Power of Fresh Eyes
I meet with new and seasoned guides every day, and the feedback I always get is, "I never thought about it this way before!" or "How did you see that? I never noticed!" and the answer is always: fresh eyes. When we are in our little world, day in / day out, we tend to build a bubble for ourselves. Even though we know better, we feel trapped and helpless at the time.
Amid our busy lives, it's easy to slip into routines and patterns when understanding and guiding our little ones. As parents, we might think we know our children like the back of our hand. Yet, if we are not paying attention to the small details that change every day, we may fall into the trap of labeling our child. The fact of the matter is they are growing and developing every day. As caregivers and educators, we might inadvertently stick to fixed methods in the classroom. But let me tell you, there's so much more to discover and cherish when we embrace the Montessori perspective, step back, and look at the child with no preconceived notions.
"Free the child's potential and you will transform him into the world" (Montessori, The Discovery of the Child)
Part of the Montessori training is approaching each child as a new child every day. Doing so helps free them from preconceived judgment. This allows us to tap into their innate potential, fostering a deep sense of joy and fulfillment in ourselves and the children we are privileged to guide. It also facilitates our ability to tailor our lessons and materials to suit their needs and interests. Through the power of fresh eyes, we witness the transformative impact of the Montessori method, empowering children to become independent thinkers and lifelong learners.
Embracing the Montessori Way: looking at the child with fresh eyes every day can profoundly affect the child's development and overall well-being.
Boosts the child's self-esteem: when we actively listen to our children's thoughts and feelings without judgment, they feel valued and respected. This validation boosts their self-esteem, empowering them to embrace their unique qualities and express themselves confidently.
Fostering independence: by acknowledging their progress and efforts, we allow room for growth and encourage children to take ownership of their learning and daily tasks. They become more self-reliant, developing crucial life skills and a sense of responsibility.
Respect for individuality: looking at each child with fresh eyes emphasizes the uniqueness of every individual. Children learn to appreciate their distinct qualities and respect the differences in others, creating a compassionate and inclusive environment.
Adaptability and resilience: embracing change and growth becomes second nature to children who are encouraged to explore and adapt. They develop resilience and the confidence to face new situations with curiosity and determination.
Empowerment and agency: by recognizing and respecting children's choices, decisions, and changes, we empower them to participate actively in their lives. They learn their thoughts and actions matter, leading to a strong sense of agency and self-advocacy.
Avoiding negative self-fulfilling prophecy: allowing the child to be a new version of themselves without holding them accountable for what they did from the days before gives them a sense of a fresh start. This gives them room to make better choices—instead of always trying to get out of the shadows of their past mistakes within their environment.
As we approach the new school year with many returning children, let's journey together and rediscover the magic of looking at our children with fresh eyes every day. As we do so, we will unveil its incredible benefits to the child's development and the joy of learning and growing together!