Often at times it can be frustrating for a parent when they see their child do the same activity over and over again. This is particularly so when it is an activity that seems to offer no challenge, or one which they could be undertaking outside of the Montessori environment. It is important as parents that we respect our child's right to choose. If we are unhappy with their choice however, that is not to say there is nothing we can do about it.
Erin (pictured below, 4 years) loves to sit and draw for a large part of every session and does not like her mum, Shona, to suggest jobs, nor does she want them demonstrated. So whilst Erin was drawing today, Shona undertook the long, red, rod job with her son Kai, 20 months. The minute Kai finished returning the rods to their stand Erin had them out. 
With some aid from Shona, she completed every one of the cards, and her satisfaction at completing the final card is evident in the photo pictured below.
Another way to attract a child's interest in a job is to take it from the shelves and to sit near them and complete the job on your own, preferably without saying anything! Ultimately though, the child has the right to choose, and inherently knows what they need. Sitting drawing with another child is a valid job, holding a pencil it prepares the way for writing, it is developing very important social skills, and it is an amazing form of free expression!
With some aid from Shona, she completed every one of the cards, and her satisfaction at completing the final card is evident in the photo pictured below.Another way to attract a child's interest in a job is to take it from the shelves and to sit near them and complete the job on your own, preferably without saying anything! Ultimately though, the child has the right to choose, and inherently knows what they need. Sitting drawing with another child is a valid job, holding a pencil it prepares the way for writing, it is developing very important social skills, and it is an amazing form of free expression!
My experience is very similar with Timothy – he enjoys drawing (and spending time with Annmarie), and resents any suggestion of a job demonstration by me (to quote Timothy – “that would just be wasting my time”). So I decided to enjoy exploring jobs myself. I found myself being approached by two very interested boys, watching and saying “I want to do that”!
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