Learning from What You Love! The Concentration and Creativity of a 5-Year-Old Half-French, Half-Japanese Child Raised with 3 Years of Montessori Education

I am Suiren, a mom living in France with my two half-French, half-Japanese sons (aged 2 and 5).

My eldest son, Ik-kun, attended a Montessori kindergarten for three years starting from his first year of preschool and just graduated recently. During the parent-teacher conference, I heard from his teacher about Ik-kun's growth and learning at kindergarten, and it made me realize once again that I was glad I chose this school. I would like to share what was good about it and how Ik-kun has grown. In my previous article, 'My Son Grew Rapidly in 3 Years! The "True Education" I Realized at a Montessori Kindergarten in France,' I talked about the independence, social skills, and communication abilities that my son Ik-kun acquired through three years of Montessori education.

This time, I would like to talk in detail about how he approaches learning and his creativity which were cultivated through Montessori education.

A Learning Method That Draws Out a Child's Desire to "Want to Do It"

One of the major features of Montessori education is valuing a child's spontaneity and timing.

The "Work" You Choose Yourself Is the Driving Force of Learning

Every morning, when he enters the classroom, Ik-kun chooses the work (study or task) he wants to do. The process was something like this:

During his first year of preschool
• Focused on manual tasks (simple handiwork, preparing snacks, etc.)
• Often observed what other children were doing
• Learned many things while observing

During his middle and senior years of preschool
• Showed interest in numbers, arithmetic, and science experiments
• Geography learning using puzzles, etc.
• Began working in earnest on academic content such as studying letters

The Importance of "Waiting"

Because he could work on what he was most interested in at the time, I felt that his speed of absorbing learning was fast. However, adults need to look at things from a long-term perspective, and "patience to wait" is also necessary.

The teachers did not force him to learn, but instead observed the child and considered his interests and timing.

As a result:

• First/Middle year: He liked arithmetic and worked on it eagerly, but didn't show much interest in letters
• From the middle of his senior year: He became interested in letters and words, and became able to read and write them
• Result: He progressed rapidly in areas where he was strong, and he was able to properly do the things he was weak at later on

I am also conscious of this at home, and I try to expand his learning and interests by watching his timing. I feel that a learning method that draws out a child's own desire to "want to do it" is smooth for the child's learning.

Free Expression Activities That Foster Creativity

Valuing "Expression" Over "Correct Answers"

In Montessori, children also do a lot of drawing, imitating, coloring, origami, and tasks using glue and scissors. Rather than doing things correctly, they are allowed to do as they like, which develops their creativity.
Ik-kun loves origami and crafts, so he worked on them with concentration both at home and at kindergarten.

Efforts in how I speak to him as a parent
It seems he drew pictures often, but sometimes he would express disappointment in front of me, saying, 'My drawing isn't good.' At times like that, I tell him:

'It's more important to enjoy it than whether it's good or not. Whether it's good is something you decide yourself, and if you think it's not good, you can become good at it if you practice many times.'

Secondary Benefits Gained from Creativity

In addition to creativity, the following abilities were also fostered at the same time:

• Becoming able to do detailed manual work
• Training concentration
• Improvement in expressive power

"True Concentration" Fostered at Your Own Pace

The Advantages of Learning Not Bound by a Timetable
Another good aspect of Montessori education is that concentration is trained.

Differences from conventional education
• No timetable
• Not doing the same task as everyone else
• Can work at your own pace

As a result
• Can complete the task you are working on without unnecessary interruptions
• Concentration is acquired
• Can move on to the next task if you finish early
• Never bored while waiting for everyone else

Learning Methods Suitable for the Developmental Stages of 3 to 6-Year-Olds

Especially for 3 to 6-year-olds, there are children who find it difficult to concentrate on the same task for the same amount of time as everyone else. I feel that doing the work (job) that each person wants to do is very suitable for children of this age.

Summary: The 3 Learning Skills Acquired Through Montessori

Learning-related skills that Ik-kun has acquired through three years of Montessori education

1. Spontaneous learning attitude
   By using his desire to do things as a driving force for learning, his ability to absorb information has improved significantly. He can work efficiently and was eventually able to overcome his weak areas.

2. Rich creativity
   In an environment that prioritizes expression over seeking the 'correct' answer, his free-thinking and expressive abilities have been nurtured.

3. Sustained concentration
   An environment where he can work at his own pace has fostered his ability to concentrate.

[Things you can practice at home]

• Observe your child's timing: Rather than forcing them to learn, the best opportunity is when they show interest.
• Prioritize 'fun' over 'good or bad': Focus on encouraging words that boost creativity and motivation.
• Have the patience to wait: Watch over your child's growth with a long-term perspective.

Montessori education is a method that respects the individuality and developmental stage of each child. Watching Ik-kun grow, I feel that he has firmly acquired the foundational skills essential for his future life, such as his approach to learning, creativity, and concentration.

Please see this article ↑ for the reasons why our Franco-Japanese family specifically chose a Montessori kindergarten.

Likes and follows are my motivation 🩷
If you have any questions or small curiosities you'd like to ask our Franco-Japanese family, please feel free to leave a comment at any time. I will answer as best as I can!