The Montessori method, which aims to respect the child’s rhythm and promote their autonomy, sometimes gives rise to disagreements, particularly with regard to certain decisions taken by teachers. A recent example is that of a teacher who decided to make a drastic selection of the books available in her class, a decision which worried many Internet users, because it deprived students of access to much-loved stories.
It was at the beginning of the 20th century that Maria Montessori established the principles of this eponymous method. This Italian educator wanted to place the child at the heart of education, by stimulating their curiosity and imagination to allow them to develop independently. Although this educational approach has seen considerable growth over the past ten years, it is not without criticism, as certain practices can sometimes surprise or shock.
These children’s books to ban according to this teacher in a Montessori school
This is how a young woman who calls herself Megi on TikTok published a video which surprised more than one Internet user, as reported by the British newspaper Daily Mail. The one who is a teacher in a Montessori school thus carried out a
sorting in the library of his class. And many books that are part of classics of children’s literature went straight into the box of unwanted.
“In recent years there has been a
movement in early childhood settings to remove certain books from their collections.”, Megi began by explaining. Before adding: “This is often due to concerns about the messages that these books can convey and the desire to promote more inclusive and more diverse
in children’s literature.
crédit photo : Shutterstock Children listen to their teacher who reads them a story
The Rainbow Fish, Goldilocks… very popular books that divide
And she walked the talk by detailing the titles she no longer wanted to see in her class.
“For example, The rainbow fish.”she began about the book by Swiss writer Marcus Pfister. “You me
get rid of of this one because it’s actually the story of a fish that has no friends unless it gives away all its shiny scales. It’s not not a good book for kids.”justified the teacher.
It is then Goldilocks and the three bears who paid for his spring cleaning. The young woman does not like the illustrations and prefers a much more modern revisited version of this tale of Scottish origin. Then it’s the turn ofOurs
Paddington. Megi doesn’t like the story. “Most kids will read them at home anyway, so there’s no point.”she explains before placing the books in her box.
@meg_learn_and_play In recent years, there has been a movement in early years
settings to remove certain books from their collections. This is
often due to concerns over the messages that these books may
convey, and a desire to promote more inclusive and diverse
representation in children’s literature. there is many books that
have amazing stories and will stay in my shelves for years to come.
#eyfs #preschoolteacher♬ original sound – Meg | Early Years Educator
A heated debate over the books to give to children to read
But the professor’s decisions are not to everyone’s taste. In commentsmany people shared their disapproval faced with choices that appear far from impartial. “SO,
you filter essentially the books that fit your idealistic world? Don’t assume children have books at home and read with their parents, many don’t.”declared an Internet user.
crédit photo : Shutterstock A little girl chooses a book in a library
Among the young woman’s 45,000 subscribers, many expressed their dissatisfaction. “A lot of it depends on YOUR personal preference rather than whether children actually like them.”, blurted out this user of the Chinese social network. And others did not hesitate to defend these books which were condemned without trial. The rainbow fish teaches sharingkindness and friendship.”we can read.
