When you try something new and someone you trust comes by and tells you, you did that wrong; or maybe your tried a new recipe, only to have to have your family tell you that you should have done it differently. While these comments have good intentions, this form of criticism hurts. Over a period of time the repetitive nature of this type of criticism continually reinforces the negative self-image of the individual. Compared to traditional daycare centers, Montessori teachers do not intervene in the work of a child. They plant the seed and then disappear; observing and waiting, but not touching. Materials are designed with the idea in mind so the child will receive instant feedback and progress on how they are doing. This helps foster independence and helps the student learn how to recognize, understand, correct and learn from any mistakes that they make. Having control of error with the materials, helps liberate the child to take control of their learning and not rely on adult judgment. Rather than being reluctant to try something new and make mistakes, the child feels free to take risks, knowing there is a control in place.
“The teacher should never intervene in an action when the impulse prompting it is good, neither with her approval nor with help nor with a lesson or correction.”- Maria Montessori