Role of the Adult and the
Environment
- The
child depends on the adult to provide the environment and the opportunity
to use these tendencies to their fullest in order to fulfill their needs.
The adult should provide for each tendency as listed above, with the
understanding that while each one is important throughout life, there are
sensitive periods for each one in which needs and other tendencies are
most fully strengthened and matured.
- The
physical environment should be simple, beautiful and orderly, with plenty
of room to move around, as well as an arrangement which requires both
gross and fine motor movement; minimal changes only as needed and with the
participation of all affected persons.
- A
regular routine should be established with the children, again with the
children participating in any necessary changes, i.e. with forewarning or
other preparation. The child thrives on hearing real language, enunciated
clearly, not baby talk or watered down sentences; he needs guidance and
advice for specific social situations as they present themselves.
- The
child needs to see excellent role models, who perhaps make mistakes but
are quick to recognize them, ask forgiveness and improve themselves.
- The
child needs opportunities for rest and reflection after moment of intense
work, therefore simpler activities should always be present in the
environment to which the child can return at any time.
- The
adult should allow the child to participate in the world around him,
opening and closing doors and drawers, helping to prepare or clean up for
various family and social activities.
- The
adult should move at the child’s pace; there should be substantial enough
time to allow for plenty of repetition without unnecessary interruption;
materials and activities which require exactness, including glass and
other fragile items which require exactness of movement; materials at the
child’s level to promote usage.
- Mistakes
should be expected and almost encouraged, with materials, activities and
words set up in a manner which allows for auto-correction.
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