Personality types
Within a family it is amazing to see how different children can be. Of course mum and dad are different too. In Montessori education we believe that these differences should be preserved. Feeling good about oneself is the basis of happiness. This directly links to being allowed to be the one you are meant to be!!
Now who are we?
Ectomorphs
With an over emphasis on the nervous system, they are the brainy people amongst us. Ectomorphs like to be alone, they love to read and study. When presented with a problem they like to withdraw, reflect on it, or even sleep on it before finding a solution. They tend to be nervous in groups, and spend little of their time on socialization. They often need little sleep and show little interest in food, this also because they do not spend a lot of physical energy during the day. Mesomorphs
Action is the mode. Being physically active is of prime importance. These people will work themselves through an issue. When solutions need to be found, these will pop up during a cycle ride, a work out in the gym or during roller blading. They will go along with all kinds of activities as long as the body is involved as well. Hence they can sleep well and in a very relaxed manner and food is the necessary ingredient to keep going. Endomorphs
There is no life without others. Endomorphs are at their best within a group. Consensus is important and the acknowledgement of others is a boost to the self-esteem. When finding themselves in a difficult situation, before settling on a solution, they will discuss it thoroughly with others. Preferably with a nice meal or a chocolate snack. They can talk for the sake of talking and love all activities that involve a group. Endomorphs can generally sleep well but can worry about what others have said or done.
Do you recognize your child?
Do you recognize yourself?
In many cases the child is not part of the same basic make-up as the parent or the teacher. It is important for the adult’s to know who they are themselves and acknowledge that other ways of being are also ok!Becoming successful in life is about respect and adaptability. Respecting others and oneself, acknowledging the strengths and developing the ‘challenges’. The flexibility within the Montessori education offers this possibility.
Some examples:
An endomorph child developing some ectomorph characteristics:
Endomorph children love to talk. They can talk all the time, without finding a solution. The teacher helps by saying: “ Before we meet in the group, write down for yourself 3 possible outcomes. Then you can meet for 10 minutes and present the answer”
A mesomorph child developing some endomorph characteristics:
Whilst playing in the sandpit the mesomorph child scoops up all the sand available. Other children complain and he runs away angrily. The teacher catches up with saying: “ Let’s walk over to the other house to get milk for lunch and reflect on what you could say to your friends”
An ectomorph child developing some endomorph characteristics:
The ectomorph child withdraws in reading. The teacher initiates role-play-reading. Four children take turns and read the drama together.
Read more about Personality Traits by Dr. W. Sheldon
