What does it take for a person to not just attain, but absolutely SHATTER a goal that's been set? Consider, in Montessori school, we do have predetermined standards and lessons that are presented to all children of a certain age and skill. However, not all truly embrace each challenge right away.
Some kids are initially compliant when approached with something new. They accept the lesson or demonstration and attempt to work to standard, just because that's what is expected. Generally, this is what happens in traditional school. And yet, some children can be outright resistant to being introduced to certain concepts as well. We understand this can be attributed to a) not being ready "yet" due to age or developmental level, or b) a lack of confidence due to not having yet been introduced to or practiced enough of the foundational material and concepts. And then, there are those that take what they've learned and use it all over, everywhere. Practicing, refining, internalizing their work. Apparently committed, even compelled, but not quite consciously so.
Consider what has happened here. Kindergarteners should be exposed to numbers to 100 and beyond. They are expected to compare relative length for measurement purposes. Fine motor skills that strengthen the fingers are important. (In many traditional schools, they stop at the pencil.)
So, we taught them to crochet, a new skill. The compelled ones went after it first, confident and undeterred by missed loops and clumsy fingers.....the committed ones watched in interest and, eventually, even the initially reluctant ones took part. And look what they did next. If you are wondering, they kept adding to the crochet piece and tried to measure it against several of the cubing chains. Some, wanting to create more "long" works, added numbers to their number roll. This is the work that keeps on giving.
If the child is more than committed, if he is compelled, he will continue to explore variation upon variation of concept or activity until he is stopped or redirected or inspired by something else. The Montessori curriculum gives students the freedom to do this. By honoring their individual paths and allowing for the pursuit of passion and interest, we remove the unnecessary obstacles so each can find his "True North".
