Having children spaced a year or two apart can be a huge benefit in the home. Siblings often form very close relationships - partnerships, if you will - which tie them together in complex ways. By encouraging the older child to participate in helping the younger one, your home resembles the mixed age method used in the Montessori classroom. Friend and Protector
An older sibling can help the younger ones by providing moral support and bolstering self-esteem. Young children look up to older siblings in the same way they look up to their parents, and often form a closer bond. Nurturing this bond can be beneficial in developing social attitudes and response mechanisms. Guide and Advisor Older kids - even if they are only a year or so older - think they have experienced the world and are quick to share what they have learned with smaller children. Acting as a guide through the complexities of life, and a trusted advisor when new situations develop, the older children build confidence and self-esteem by helping their less experienced brothers and sisters. A Trusted Confidant Sometimes young children have trouble making their thoughts or feelings clear to parents but can talk freely to older siblings. Because understanding the underlying discontent is vital to help children overcome stressful situations, having a mediator makes it possible to address issues quickly and effectively. A Tutor and Teacher Younger children will often turn to an older sibling to gain insight or reconcile misunderstandings. Older kids are also able to help the young ones with understanding concepts or learning skills such as reading or arithmetic. In return for helping a little brother or sister learn to read, the older child gains a sense of accomplishment and responsibility. Mixing children of different ages is an important part of the Montessori Method. Older children are able to help younger ones, which in turn allows the teacher to spend more time with students who are facing challenges. To find out more about mixed ages and educational benefits, contact the Montessori School of Flagstaff Sunnyside Campus today. Comments are closed.
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