The importance of not interrupting the child

That phrase is closely tied to the principle that every guide knows very well about respecting that time in which the child works where they should not be interrupted. In an environment, the guides set aside time for this, but at home, families can also learn to promote this principle.

"Even when the children play, they must be allowed to concentrate on that activity, because each activity has a purpose," explained Gladiza Santiago, Elementary II Coordinator at Instituto Nueva Escuela (INE). "At the sight of an adult it may seem like a game, but in reality, the child is working, building, there is a sensory-motor development that is taking place," she added.

Why should we not interrupt?

• For the child to explore

• So that they can discover for themselves

• So they don't lose concentration and/or interest

At home, there are many opportunities for the child to have these learning spaces.

For example, when a child tries to get dressed, when an infant is learning to eat with utensils, when children try to do a household chore, etc. Unfortunately, the adult sometimes in haste, to prevent the child from causing messes or even to praise them for their work, interrupts these activities where the child is naturally developing.

"You watch, but you don't intervene. You wait for the child to ask for help," Gladiza said. In the words of Montessori "as soon as the concentration has begun, act as if the child does not exist. Naturally, you can see what he/she is doing with a quick glance, but without them realizing it."