Always in motion is the future...
YODA, Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
No truer words have been given to a puppet. It never ceases to amaze me that while time is constant, the future feels as though it comes at warp speed. I realize it has been too long since my last post and will rectify that in the not so distant future!
Wanted to share a review of the book, Nurture Shock, a recent read from Justine, one of our preschool program teachers. She is an avid reader, lover of Montessori, and has volunteered to submit reviews from time to time. This book talks to the issue of praise among children. Maria Montessori believed in fostering the internal or intrinsic need to accomplish a task; children have Sensitive Periods for learning that far exceed the desire for reward and praise, and those things come from the outside world (us). Rewards and punishments are definitely not the 'norm' in a Montessori classroom.
The issue of praise is well discussed/disputed. One of the things I hope to do with this blog is to provide varied information which might get you thinking and talking too, so feel free to share your comments. Enjoy the below review (I know I did), and if you have some extra time, Check out the following link--some Montessori food for thought...
http://livingmontessorinow.com/2011/06/27/a-montessori-approach-to-praise/
I hope you find the contributions timely and helpful now and in the future. Peace.
The Dangers of Excessive and Ambiguous Praise
Nurture Shock by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman
Reviewed by: Justine N. – Teacher at Montessori Beginnings
Nurture Shock is a phenomenal book that changes our thinking about children. Authors Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman have looked at hundreds of studies on children. The research covers different aspects of child development in an easy to understand format. Parents themselves report being shocked by their discoveries. Both authors report changing how they parented after they completed the research for this book.
It opens with an examination of the dangers of frivolous, excessive, and generic praise. It looks at research that originally seemed to support the praise early and often approach and actually found that when research was looked at more closely it was inaccurate. They also discuss several recent studies that have shown when children are over praised and praised in general terms it can actually have a negative effect on their willingness to try new things they may not be good at right away.
They also look at the problems that can be created by one less hour of sleep every night such as teenage rebellion, children lying, siblings, how to encourage talking in your young toddler, teaching your child self control, and the importance of discussing race with children as young as preschool.
This book is a must read for parents, teachers and anyone else who works with children. It is well written, in an organized format for the layman. One does not need a background in child development to understand what they are saying. I would recommend this book to all parents. Not only can the research revealed in this book benefit your children but it can also help to make your job as a parent a little less stressful.