One principle that must always be applied in the Atrium is that of "Freedom and Limits." Last February/March there was a series of posts specifically on that topic. After writing in January on the L2 child it seems important to refer back to those posts as they help to put everything in context. While L2 children have freedom to work and converse with one another, their communal work and conversation cannot interrupt another child's quiet work or another group's discussions. While L2 children tend to have messier work spaces, they have the responsibility to clean and restore everything at the end of each session. While L2 children are free to disagree and offer divergent thoughts and opinions in presentations and conversations, they must be sure that their language is respectful to the person with whom they are disagreeing. In other words, there are limits to their freedoms and those limits often are the needs of other individuals or the community as a whole. In the Atrium there are times where these situations need to be addressed and, true to the Montessori Method, we do so through Lessons of Grace and Courtesy. In L1 such lessons tend to be simple, straightforward skits which model appropriate actions and words for a particular situation. In L2, however, these lessons are often closer to discussions and conversations which take place in a "class meeting" style format. Beginning a conversation with, "We have a problem and I'd like your help" appeals to the L2 child's reasoning mind and desire for right relationship within the community. It can be surprising to hear the ideas the children will suggest, thoughts adults would not ever consider. The children have a tendency of being both more forgiving and harsher in their consequences, which often results in a more effective plan of action for all. Just work on taking their thoughts seriously, and you might be surprised at how well they hash out solutions!
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Carolyn Kohlhaas
CGS Catechist and Formation Leader (Levels I, II, and III) Categories
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April 2024
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