Executive function, Play and Montessori

Executive function is the ability to hold a thought in memory, recall it, and act upon it.  It involves planning, impulse control and often language skills necessary for a plan or interaction with others.  Executive function is recognized as a crucial skill in academic and social success.  More and more elementary teachers also feel that the children in their classrooms are lacking this skill.

I've been researching both executive function and a program called "Tools of the Mind."  "Tools of the Mind" is based on the social learning theories of Vygotsky and in many ways appears to be primarily play based.  It's much more complex however.  It includes planning, memory and activities specifically designed to encourage structured play.  This program has been very well received in the educational community and appears to promote executive function.  I believe it's very compatible with Montessori education.

Extended dramatic play often involves the ability to negotiate a role, remember a role, and act within that role.  If you are held accountable for your role in "play" then you are building memory, planning, and language skills.  It could be awkward if you started playing the role of the robber when you were the role of the policeman!  I believe that structured dramatic play can be extended in the outdoor environment.  The "Tools of the Mind" program talks about how books are often a scaffold to dramatic play.  It seems ideal to read before outdoor play and perhaps have props available outside.  In the Montessori environment, fantasy play with materials is often a subject of debate.  However, if the material is not abused it might be an opportunity to extend thoughts, memory recall, and stimulate additional play opportunities.

A Montessori environment naturally encourages the development of executive function.  The structure where they have to make work choices, often while negotiating with others, involves a great deal of planning and thought.  I believe that we can take this a step further by involving the child in planning their day and writing it down.  Some schools already make an effort to keep a log, journal or record of the child's daily activities.  Why not have the child plan in advance and then reflect on if they keep their plans?  The environment and the  enforcement of ground rules can remind individuals of the need to wait, walk and respect others constantly.  A child may have to wait impatiently for a friend to be ready or a job to be free.

These two articles give more detail on both Tools of the Mind and executive function.
Can the right kind of play teach kids self control?
Creative play makes for kids in control

Roots N Wings Montessori part 2

Roots N Wings Montessori school is getting ready to open

• I've signed a lease.
• I've dropped off the childcare facility license application.
• I'm negotiating with contractors and business arrangements.
• Investigating appropriate fire alarm systems.
• Working on marketing materials.
• Adding content material to the website.

Before long there will be a significant change to the building and the environment.  I'm excited.  I'm in contact with several individuals that are interested in working as a teacher and one parent that wants to enroll.

At this point, everything is a balancing act on timing.