Why is self-directed learning more important for young children?
Do you find yourself constantly guilty of correcting the mistakes of your child? Do you feel the pressure of guiding your children through every step of their learning journey is denying them the freedom to be a child?
As parents, we feel it is our primary role to care for them and nurture them in a way that is free of error.
But the truth is this approach is making our children dependent on adult approval and robbing them of self-directed learning.
Constantly correcting them affects their decision-making and critical thinking abilities. When we constantly correct them, we restrict their self-confidence and ability to think independently.
So, as a busy parent, how do you ensure that your child takes control of their own learning process and reduces reliance on external validation without compromising confidence?
Well, the answer is simple. The Montessori method emphasises on the concept of “control of error,” which encourages your child to identify and correct their mistakes on their own. Not only does it limit adult intervention, but also fosters self-directed learning that makes them explore and learn from their errors naturally.
In this blog, we will explore why “control of error” is essential for your child’s learning environment and how you can incorporate this principle at home without feeling overwhelmed.
The problem with “over” correction
It is natural for us parents to be protective and save our children from making mistakes. But when we keep on telling them what is right and wrong without actually allowing them to mistakes, we end up making them fearful of making mistakes. They end up being dependent on our feedback for knowing the difference between right and wrong.
Our habit of overcorrecting them severely harms their independent thinking. There is every possibility that they will end up trying lesser and perhaps taking no risks at all as they grow up.
There is beauty in learning the difference between right and wrong on one’s own. With “control of error,” there is an opportunity for self-directed learning, which, in a very simple manner, encourages deeper learning, problem-solving, and resilience.
The magic in self-directed learning
Picture your child playing with a stacking toy and making mistakes while arranging the pieces in order. There can be two scenarios that will follow.
One is where you intervene and show them how to do it correctly. The other is when you watch from afar without intervening. Your child learns on their own.
The number of times they will keep doing it wrong in the second case is greater, and perhaps it may take days to rectify. But in the end, imagine the joy and pride they will feel when they figure out the right order to arrange their stacking toy on their own.
This is how self-directed learning makes a difference. It changes the dynamics of play-and-learn and helps your child to take ownership of their learning. By practicing control of error, Montessori at home creates space for the development of a sense of autonomy. Instead of telling your child how to solve a problem, you empower them with the tools to discover the solution on their own.
Maria Montessori always encouraged allowing children to learn at their own pace as it helps them develop a deeper understanding of concepts when they engage hands-on with different learning materials and toys.
How does control of error work?
The concept of control of error is integral to self-directed learning in the Montessori method. It focuses on designing Montessori materials and activities that allow children to identify and correct their mistakes independently. These provide immediate feedback and allow your child to self-correct their errors and learn from their experiences.
Take for instance Montessori toys like the multi-puzzle activity, 3D Cylinder block puzzle, or the block set - these are designed with built-in feedback mechanisms that let your child know immediately when they have made a mistake. These activities encourage your child to keep on trying and find the right solution as to what is the right way of playing with them or the right way of fitting in a piece.
Through self-directed learning, your child learns to experiment and adjust until they find the correct solution. This helps them become more confident and depend less on adult intervention to judge right from wrong. It also builds in them independence, critical thinking, and logical reasoning.
They learn to become aware of their errors and take responsibility for correcting them. This self-correction process encourages resilience and persistence, essential skills for lifelong learning.
How can busy parents incorporate control of errors at home?
You may be thinking, “This sounds great, but I’m already so busy! How can I realistically bring this into my home?”
The good news is that Montessori at home doesn’t require any lifestyle changes or buying fancy toys. Here are some simple yet effective and practical tips to incorporate control of error without making any effort at all:
- Using everyday household items
The best thing about the Montessori method is that it doesn’t involve spending on expensive things. With existing simple household materials like cups and bowls and everyday activities like washing hands or setting the table, you can practice Montessori with your child and help them with self-directed learning.
Example: Let your child pour water into various containers, and they will naturally learn how much each container can hold and when they have poured too much.
- Focusing on hands-on learning in their daily routine
One of the greatest gifts of Montessori is the opportunity to weave its principles and concepts into your child’s daily routine. Busy parents don’t have time for elaborate activities, but Montessori activities are simple and can easily be practiced in everyday activities. These activities not only make them more confident and do things independently, but also help them learn from the process in a fun way.
Example: Allow your child to help with meal preparation. Helping during meal preparation or setting the table will create learning opportunities with built-in control of error. They will immediately recognize if a cup overflows or if utensils are placed incorrectly. This will encourage them to experiment and find the right way to do things on their own.
- Preparing a dedicated Montessori learning environment
You can also designate a small area in your home as a Montessori space to make it easier to implement the control of error. Self-directed learning is simple to initiate and having a dedicated area helps establish the process in a more systematic manner. This doesn’t have to be complicated—a low shelf with a few carefully selected activities will do.
Example: Choose materials that allow your child to explore independently, like stacking blocks, simple puzzles, or sorting activities. These activities will provide self-correction mechanisms and help them learn at their own pace.
- Trusting your child’s process
One of the hardest parts of parenting is resisting the urge to step in and correct your child. It is hard but not impossible. And it definitely is necessary as it gives your child the space to make mistakes and learn from them. The goal of controlling error is to empower your child to learn independently, so despite them making obvious mistakes, do not step in. Trust their process and be assured that they will eventually figure out the correct way on their own.
Example: If they spill while drinking or transferring, resist the urge to step in at the first sign of frustration. Instead of correcting them, show them how to clean up. Slowly, you will observe them learning how to avoid spilling or cleaning up on their own and handling similar situations.
- Introducing age-appropriate Montessori toys gradually
If you’re ready to bring more Montessori-specific materials into your home, start with toys that include control of error. You can check our collection of Montessori toys, designed specifically to provide support and play an active role in your child’s development.
Example: Our simple vertical stacker or the rainbow stacking and matching activity is designed in accordance with an order of progression, helping your child figure out the correct solution independently.
Benefits of implementing self-directed learning with control of error
- Build confidence: When your child successfully identifies and corrects their own mistakes, they develop a sense of accomplishment. It will boost their self-confidence, and they will be more eager to take on challenges in the future.
- Foster critical thinking abilities: Control of error encourages children to think through problems logically and this deepens their understanding of the situation and acting accordingly.
- Minimize adult dependence: With control of error, your child will learn to trust their own judgment, leading to greater independence and self-reliance.
- Encourage a growth mindset: Mistakes are seen as part of the learning process, and gradually, they will develop a growth mindset as they understand the importance of making efforts toward success.
Common concerns regarding implementing control of error for at home
Implementing a Montessori learning environment is simple, and there is greater flexibility in child development with control of error. But it is natural to have doubts. So, here are some common questions that busy parents might have:
- What if I don’t have time to supervise these activities?
The beauty of Montessori’s control of error is that it allows your child to work independently. Once you’ve set up a suitable environment, they can engage with the materials on their own, requiring less direct supervision.
- Do I need expensive materials?
Absolutely not! Montessori-inspired activities can be created with items you already have at home, like measuring spoons, small containers, and natural objects like rocks or leaves.
- Will my child actually learn without constant correction?
Yes! Montessori is built on the idea that children learn best when they are allowed to explore, make mistakes, and self-correct. This process leads to deeper learning and better retention.
Final thoughts
Adopting Montessori at home doesn’t have to be overwhelming, especially for busy parents.
Incorporating the concept of control of error into your child’s learning is simple, and you will watch your child grow into an independent child with abilities like critical thinking and self-confidence.
All you need to do is introduce small, simple changes in their daily routine and witness the big differences it makes in your child’s development.
Self-directed learning through control of error matters for your child as it instils in them important abilities and makes them confident to learn on their own from mistakes and experiments.
So, please take a deep breath, trust the process, and enjoy watching your child learn and grow through their own efforts because Montessori isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress.
Read this blog to learn more about control of error.