“Imitation is not just the sincerest form of flattery – it’s the sincerest form of learning.”
― George Bernard Shaw
Children are very observant. They can pick on mannerisms, accents and emotions and then replicate them with startling accuracy.
So, when the Montessori students role-played ‘At the Doctor’s Clinic’, the ‘doctor’ came across as an important person doing serious work while the ‘patients’ distress and frustration in the waiting room was evident. The ‘secretary’ was smiling and helpful and dealt efficiently with the waiting ‘patients’ while the ‘chemist’ made sure to read the prescription carefully before handing over the medicine.
What the children learned throughout this process was evident in their ideas, their actions and their language. They may have played at being doctors but they were on a journey of discovery – discovering themselves.
“Through others we become ourselves.”
― Lev S. Vygotskyy
