Drinking from a Cup
When Henry started eating solid foods around four months, we immediately started giving him water from a real glass instead of a sippy cup. There are several reasons why this is common in a Montessori environment:
- Children who use real glass learn from a very young age that they have to be careful. They can't throw their glass on the ground without real consequences (i.e., the glass breaking).
- Children from 0-6 years-old are watching the world around them and trying to imitate it to the best of their abilities. They want to do what the adults around them are doing. If we drink from glasses, they want to drink from glasses, too.
- Children build their confidence and their self-worth when they master challenging tasks.
In the beginning, we gave Henry a lot of support. We only filled the glass with the tiniest bit of water, and we helped hold it. For the first time the other day (at 10.5 months). He picked up the glass and drank independently.
We're still working on setting the glass back down...
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8 comments:
I love his enthusiasm! Great video Sara.
wow! He does that so wonderfully! May I ask a random question about montessori? Is these a consensus about using strollers for children?
what a cutie! It's amazing what kids are capable of if we give them a chance.
Hi, Irishker: I haven't read anything specific about strollers. The materials I've read caution against the use of things like infant bouncy seats that restrict movement. If you're at home with an infant, it's better for the infant's development to be on the floor moving, rather than strapped into a reclining chair. However, if you're going for a walk and the child isn't yet able to walk independently, I think it makes sense to use a stroller. We use a stroller every day for an hour-long walk. However, I also take Henry outside and let him crawl around on the grass, so he's developing his movement. Once he starts walking, we will go for daily nature strolls when he will not be in a stroller. The goal is to follow the child and honor their developing need for independence and movement. Hope that helps!
I love how Henry smacks his lips after his drink of water! He's so enthusiastic :)
Thanks, Sara! I appreciate your help!
Hi Sara. I know this post is old, but I was just wondering how the glass cups worked out as Henry grew older? My 18 month old had recently started testing limits and is throwing her cups on the floor. Our floors are tile, so the cups break. Do you have any advice to offer?
Hey Sara! I have the same question as Tess. Based on his personality thus far, I'm relatively confident Ellis will throw the glass on the floor and squeal with joy over it breaking. (He's 14m right now) Any details on how to teach?
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