Human tendencies in the Montessori environment

A tendency is an inclination to certain actions or behaviors that in turn are directed towards a certain end. 

Some of the human tendencies are exploration, orientation, order, imagination, manipulation, repetition, the tendency to perfection and communication; among others (Polk Lillard, 1996). These tendencies help to satisfy the fundamental needs of the human being and are manifested throughout life. 

Montessori guides recognize the importance of human tendencies in the development of children and young people. Therefore, through the prepared environment, they ensure that students can freely manifest these tendencies according to their developmental plan. 

Montessorian environments are distinguished, not only by their beauty, but also by their structure. Everything in the environment has a specific place for the child to find it independently. The materials are placed on the slats in a specific order. This sense of order also inspires a good sense of direction. Therefore, the child will manifest the tendency to explore the environment. 

Order and orientation are also encouraged when guides present activities and materials in a logical sequence. All material and all activities develop in the student a logical and orderly thought. 

Many of the materials in the prepared environment are concrete representations of abstract ideas and concepts. The tendency of the boy and the girl towards work then leads him to the manipulation of these materials. In turn, the tendency to repetition and error control will lead you towards the pursuit of precision until you achieve perfection. 

Thanks to the manifestation of these tendencies, students discover; for themselves; these abstract ideas that are represented and transmitted through materials. Similarly, the child and youth will have multiple experiences in Montessori environments to express their imagination and power of abstraction. 

The tendency to communicate is also manifested and strengthened in Montessori environments. From a young age, they develop oral language because they have the freedom to move and interact with their peers and adults in the environment. They discover writing as another mode of communication. They develop reading, writing and other language arts. Child purposely applies good communication by working cooperatively with others to solve problems and express ideas and thoughts. 

Caring for the manifestation of human tendencies in the prepared environment is vital for the full development of children and young people. These good experiences will surely contribute to the integration and adaptation of the child and the young person to their community and to the world.