Montessori Perspectives on Mindfulness - Part 3 of 3
Another term that goes along with Montessori’s idea of normalization and the current idea of executive function is that of ‘mindfulness’. Psychology Today states that “Mindfulness is a state of active, open attention on the present. When you are mindful, you observe your thoughts and feelings from a distance, without judging them good or bad. Instead of letting your life pass you by, mindfulness means living in the moment and awakening to experience.”The Montessori method of education is consistent with the idea of mindfulness. The flow of the individual presentations requires the attention of the child and the adult to be focused on the immediate present. The built-in control of error in the Montessori materials and activities consistently bring the child’s focus back to center. The three-hour Montessori work cycle supports the development of increased periods of focused concentration.
