Maria Montessori put great emphasis on grace and courtesy lessons. She wanted to raise resilient and independent children,therefore these activities are as important as science,maths and literacy in the Montessori environments. The best way of introducing these activities is to model appropriate behaviours and discuss polite and appropriate behaviours as and when situations arise.
I hate it when children are forced in front of other people to say "Thank you" or "Sorry". Montessori made it very clear that we should never shame the child or ask to child to say something explicitly. She said that we should be teaching them by role modelling and the child will thank or excuse when s/he is ready. Although children learn some of these at schools, I feel that as a parent it is my duty to make sure my child knows how to behave in different situations. Knowing what to expect helps the child feel secure.
Deb's book is very detailed and suitable for parents of preschoolers as well as primary/elementary age children. The book consists of 17 chapters. It starts with a discussion about why to use the Montessori method, ideas for preschoolers, ideas for primary/elementary age children and carries on with many social situations such as how and when to introduce people,how to greet people,how to begin and participate a conversation, how to thank and excuse, how to accept or decline an invitation,bathroom manners ....This is very valuable resource whether you are a Montessori parent/teacher or not and I highly recommend it.
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