Pre-Primary: Pin-punching…
The Language area is a busy area for reasons beyond the works; it is a favorite area to socialize. Works such as pin-punching and metal frames lend themselves to working and talking at the same time. The table seats four friends with the library shelf right next to them. Children bring books to the table to show friends, which often results in friends then gravitating to the library area.
Sometimes, the conversation turns the individual works into a competition. Two boys sat pin-punching while two other boys were sharing a book at the table. One of the boys who was pin-punching said “Look how much I did!” The other boy who was pin-punching looked, but didn’t respond. He focused on his own pin-punching and kept working. The first friend repeated himself and waved his pin-punching in the air, like a flag. The second boy continued his work, but looked up and smiled at his friend. Then he showed his friend his work.
“I’m done.” He got up to bring his work to a teacher.
“The first essential for the child’s development is concentration. The child who concentrates is immensely happy.”
-Maria Montessori
