Montessori Childrens House
of the west coast

Providing feedback to your child

Posted on Friday, October 17, 2008

Providing feedback to your child…….
When you come to pick up your child at the end of their day, their folder is often over flowing with work produced during the day.  Remember that children are more interested in the process of their activity than in the end product.  Sometimes, teachers even have to rescue finished work out of the trash so that the work can be sent home for you to see. When you see your child’s work, it’s best to comment on the process and details of the effort rather than the end product.  For example, when commenting on a painting, look for some special use of color or a detail that stands out.  “I really like the way you used the color yellow in your painting” or “I like the way you used different circles and lines in this drawing”.  Rather than “what a beautiful picture you painted”.  Montessori teachers use comments carefully and only those which helps children stay focused on the process and skills used rather than the end product.  Also be careful about using external rewards for work produced.  We are always trying to keep the child’s internal motivation alive so that they don’t lose their creativity, focus and passion for what they are doing.  As adults our best and most creative work is work that we are passionate about.  Often we only need the reward of a job well done to be satisfied. This internally motivated work is the most satisfying for the child and often needs little comment or praise.