Self esteem is not a skill, but a characteristic, that needs stimulation to develop. Feeling good about oneself, isn’t that the most important ingredient for a happy and productive life? People who feel good and are proud of themselves achieve a lot! To name just a few related personal characteristics:
- Enthusiasm instead of detachment
- Joy instead of boredom
- Positive energy instead of apathy
- Contentment instead of jealousy
- Receptiveness to new things instead of aversion
- Readiness to contribute instead of feeling entitled
Montessori education has the development of a good self-esteem as a core aim. All other positive characteristics will follow. A child with a good self-image does not need competition to excel. They remain respectful of others, and at the same time exceed their own expectations!
To assist the development of a positive self-image:
- The teachers are in tune with the child’s basic characteristics and learning styles
- There is an environment with multi-age ranges and therefore multi-levels
- Children are given opportunities to choose, to make decisions and to make mistakes
- Age-appropriate limits are set which give the message that your freedom ends where someone else’s freedom begins
- Development of self-discipline, self-will and self-direction are nurtured,
- Age-appropriate independence is encouraged which grows competence and consequently self-confidence
- Opportunities for being productive and responsible members of the group are brought forward
- Respect and trust are the focal point of the relationship between the student and teacher
For more information on the different intelligences and additional skills to develop, please read the 8 Intelligences brochures:
- Linguistic intelligence
- Logical-mathematical intelligence
- Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence
- Musical intelligence
- Visual-Spatial intelligence
- Interpersonal intelligence
- Intrapersonal intelligence
- Naturalistic intelligence