What do I mean by the triangular dance in Montessori education? I'm referring to Dr. Maria Montessori's observation that the relationship between the child, the adult, and the environment resembles a triangle, with each element playing a crucial role. In this interwoven relationship, the child takes the lead in their learning journey, while being supported by both the adult and the environment. Let's delve deeper into this concept.
As I continue with the work of Montessori practices, I always think about how some of the practices and rhythms in households stem back to the ancestral ways of being with one another at home, at the greater Comunidad. We see it when we watch our elders wash the dishes, feed the birds in their backyard, prepare their cafecito, and much more.
When we see spiritual preparation in the Montessori context, we can see it within our abuelas. In my case, mi suegra (a wonderful abuela to my children) embodies unhurriedness, presence, and preparation—teaching us slowness and the sacredness of caring for oneself to care for others.
Watching mi suegra sing and feed the birds, talk to her plants, make cafecito with her colador, and share her sabiduria fills me with joy and wonder. She will always say till the day she returns to earth, "Yo soy Taina. Yo soy Boricua." 🤎 Her love for nature is one of the cornerstones of Montessori.
My mom was very much like a Montessorian to this day. When I think about my upbringing, I can remember how she cared for her spaces, cleaning the house while Hector Lavoe played on the vinyl in the background, and the aroma of sofrito filled the air.
As I delve deeper into Montessori principles and their relevance to family dynamics, I am drawn to what feels familiar and resonates with our cultural background and unique family situation:
Different families have a household that has a studio, double up, one bedroom, or small spaces. We have to see that Montessori is much more than the materials and luxury space and furniture-it is a practice (many of us already embody but may not know it)
Parents may not have the means to purchase materials to meet their children's developmental needs, but they can improvise with what they have to make a child's learning experience meaningful.
Does not have the accessibility or drive to refuel toward mental, spiritual, and physical wellness. So, how do we create spaces to focus on the spiritual well-being of our families so that they can have the head space to learn the practicality of Montessori?
In contemplating the intricate interplay between child, adult, and environment—the triangle of dynamic relationships—I see a beautiful reflection of life itself. Within this framework lie opportunities for discovery, guidance, and a sense of belonging, all uniquely tailored to the diverse dynamics of each household and family.
An Interwoven Relationship: Montessori Pyramid Evolving
[The child] learns everything without knowing he is learning it, and in doing so he passes little by little from the unconscious to the conscious, treading always in the paths of joy and love. ~Maria Montessori, The Absorbent Mind
As initially stated, the interwoven relationship entails the child taking the lead in their learning journey, supported by both the adult and the environment. To truly embody this dynamic, we engage in what I call, the triangular dance. As adults, we must first be spiritually prepared (I can delve into this further in another discussion). For now, it's essential to embark on a journey of reflection and meeting our basic human needs. This ensures we are fully available to meet the needs of our children.
[I designed this image to illustrate a fusion of Montessori’s concept of the teacher, child, and environment learning triangle, and Maslow's Hierarchy of Human Needs. It aims to integrate these two frameworks into one cohesive space.]
Maslow and Montessori emphasize the fundamental aspects of human development through their frameworks: Maslow's Hierarchy of Human Needs and Montessori's concept of the Prepared Environment. Maslow's model, often depicted as a pyramid, underscores the significance of fulfilling basic needs as the groundwork for higher-level fulfillment. He posited that meeting these basic needs, such as physiological and safety requirements, would allow individuals to achieve higher aspirations like forming meaningful relationships, societal contributions, and self-expression.
The relationship between child, adult, and environment is akin to a triangle, with each element playing a vital role. The child takes the lead in their learning while being supported by the adult and the environment. This dynamic creates a beautiful representation of life, with discovery, guidance, and belonging all present in a Montessori environment.
The three triangular layers symbolize an approach to family, education, and community building, aiming to address the holistic needs of every individual. At its core are the fundamental needs of both children and adults, essential for parents/caregivers to effectively support their children and for children to realize their full potential. Schools that embrace these principles create an environment where the needs of all stakeholders – parents, students, and educators – are acknowledged and met. The community plays a vital role, committing to a joint endeavor to uphold these values and assist individuals in fulfilling their basic needs. A healthy and supportive community is fostered through collaborative efforts and providing a solid foundation for growth, learning, and overall well-being.
In our upcoming discussion and post, we're diving into the fascinating interplay of human tendencies, developmental planes, and the essential needs of children and beyond. Join us as we explore how these elements intersect within the realm of Montessori education, in a segment we've titled "The Triangular Dance: Child, Adult, and Environment."
Throughout this exploration, we'll unravel the intricate connections between human tendencies—the innate drives guiding our behaviors—and the four planes of development outlined by Maria Montessori. From the quest for order to the dynamics of social interaction, we'll analyze how these tendencies influence individuals' engagement with their environment and contribute to their journey towards fulfillment.
As we journey through Montessori's developmental planes—spanning from the absorbent mind of infancy to the pursuit of self-actualization in adulthood—we'll uncover the specific needs for safety, self-esteem, belongingness, and love that characterize each stage. From fostering trust in the nurturing environment of early childhood to nurturing autonomy and social connections, we'll explore how educators and caregivers can facilitate holistic development across the lifespan.
Join us as we unravel the intricate tapestry of human nature, development, and well-being, and discover how understanding this interplay can revolutionize the way we nurture and educate the next generation.
If you're interested in learning more about me and Heketi Montessori, head over to https://www.heketimontessori.com.
You can also find us on Instagram @heketimontessori
Check out our Indiegogo Heketi House to support having a brick and mortar space for Montessori infant and toddler parent center.
Explore our on-demand online courses on Toilet Learning and Spiritual Preparation of the Adult.
For those in the DC & Metro Area seeking 1:1 in-person coaching to bring Montessori into your home, click here.
If you're a school or organization seeking partnerships to bring Montessori parent classes into your space, please reach out by clicking here.
Adios!
Frances Rivera
Share this post