Offering Help

Offering help builds community and teaches children to notice others' needs.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Practical Life
• Learning area: Grace and Courtesy
• Level: Ages 3-5

Objectives

• Develop helping instinct
• Build community
• Learn to offer without imposing

Materials

• Community helper opportunities
• Scenario discussions

Instructions

1. Notice someone who might need help. 2. Approach politely. 3. Ask 'Would you like some help?' or 'Can I help you with that?' 4. Respect if they say no. 5. If yes, help appropriately. 6. Don't take over—assist.

Educator tip

Teach children to offer without doing for others. Praise helpful observations.

Assessment

Child offers help appropriately and respects the response.

More from Practical Life

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• Resolving Conflicts Peacefully
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• Spooning Dried Beans Between Bowls
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