Love as the Foundation of Learning
As we step into February, a month often dedicated to love, let us reflect on the most profound and transformative love—the love we share in relationship with children. Dr. Maria Montessori reminded us that education is not just about imparting knowledge but about nurturing the spirit, honoring the child’s potential, and fostering deep connections built on trust, respect, and love.
“The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind,” she wrote, urging us to see the child not as an empty vessel to be filled but as a teacher in their own right. In our daily work, we are invited to listen deeply, observe with reverence, and respond with patience and grace. It is through these relationships that true learning unfolds—not just for the child, but for us as well.
This month, let us embrace Montessori’s vision of love as a force that transforms education. Let us walk beside the children in our care with open hearts, knowing that every moment of connection, every word of encouragement, and every act of kindness builds a foundation for a more compassionate world.
With warmth and gratitude,
Paige
Intelligent Love
A.M. Joosten, a devoted Montessorian and collaborator of Dr. Maria Montessori, described the concept of "intelligent love" as a form of love that is deeply rooted in understanding, respect, and service to the child’s natural development. Unlike sentimental or indulgent love, intelligent love is guided by knowledge, awareness, and a commitment to fostering the child’s independence, dignity, and inner potential.
Bids for Connection
In our daily interactions with children, every gesture, question, or moment of shared attention represents a bid for connection—a concept developed by Dr. John Gottman that helps us understand the subtle ways relationships are built. A bid can be as simple as a child showing you their work, asking for help, or seeking eye contact, and how we respond—whether by engaging, ignoring, or dismissing—shapes the trust and security they feel with us. In the Montessori environment, where relationships are the foundation of learning, recognizing and honoring these bids is essential. When we consistently turn toward children’s bids with presence, warmth, and respect, we reinforce their sense of belonging and confidence, creating a space where they feel valued and understood. By viewing each moment as an opportunity to connect, we deepen our relationships and foster an environment where love, learning, and trust grow hand in hand. Hopefully, you will find this handout helpful as you continue to find ways to build relationships with the children in your communities.
