Montessori Helps Kids Be Kind and Play Well With Others: The Key To Teaching Children Empathy

1. Encourage Respectful Communication: Montessori education emphasizes the importance of clear, respectful communication between children and adults. 

“The Montessori method places great value on children’s social interactions," says Eden Prairie Montessori's Director, Shonali Harrison. "We build on the ways their parents have modeled graciousness and courtesy, present how to be polite in social interactions, and demonstrate how to behave peacefully in general."

Parents can model this behavior by actively listening to their child and responding in a calm, respectful manner. 

2. Practice Conflict Resolution: Montessori classrooms provide opportunities for children to work through conflicts and disagreements in a safe, supportive environment. 

We use many special objects to teach our children how to get along peacefully in our classrooms. Whenever two of them have a conflict, either can get the peace rose off the shelf and offer it to the other. It’s a marvelous way to say you’re sorry and want to make amends before you’re able to verbalize diplomacy. 

Parents can support this process by teaching their child problem-solving skills and encouraging them to find solutions to conflicts with siblings or friends.



3. Foster Independence: Montessori education emphasizes independence and self-sufficiency, which can help children develop a strong sense of self-awareness and confidence.

"We give children in our Montessori classrooms freedom to enjoy their favorite activities, but also structure so they can master skills appropriate for their age. If that is something as simple as buttoning a shirt, they will enjoy the gentle push they’re given to do it on their own."

 Parents can encourage independence at home by allowing their child to make choices and take on age-appropriate responsibilities.

4. Promote Empathy: Montessori classrooms promote empathy by encouraging children to put themselves in others' shoes and consider different perspectives. 

The Montessori Method validates children. When kids understand that their feelings are valued in their community, they start to value the feelings of others. This creates a cycle of care and empathy that flows outside of the classroom. It builds not only empathy among students, but also encourages self-love.

Parents can support this development by modeling empathy in their own behavior and encouraging their child to think about others' feelings.



5. Encourage Cooperative Play: Montessori classrooms emphasize collaborative, cooperative play, which helps children develop important social skills like sharing, taking turns, and working together towards a common goal. 

“I believe one of our method’s greatest strengths is how it lets children learn from each other," says Shonali. "Older children naturally want to take care of the younger ones, just like I did when I was little. Helping a younger friend read a story or pull a carrot of the ground fosters compassion and leadership. Looking up to an older friend teaches trust and respect. Children become surprisingly invested in one another’s well-being when they’re in a supportive environment."

Parents can encourage cooperative play by providing opportunities for their child to play with others and participate in group activities.

By supporting your child's social and emotional development at home, you can help them become more confident, empathetic, and socially adept individuals. The principles of Montessori education can serve as a valuable guide for fostering these important life skills in your child.

“Parents learn just like their children do: by seeing and by doing. That’s why we welcome interested families to visit Eden Prairie Montessori while school is in session. Observing our beautiful school, our fun playground, our happy children and their proud presenters – it’s the best way to see what we do!”

If your child is ready to start becoming the best person they can be, you are welcome to schedule a tour of Eden Prairie Montessori with Shonali at your side to answer any questions you might have. You can always reach her at (952) 944-8466 or info@epmontessori.net.