Teaching Kids to Share VS Taking Turns - An important Part of Early Education

Sharing versus taking turns in children's education has been a long-standing debate. While both methods have their benefits, the decision on which to implement ultimately depends on the specific situation and the child's needs.

Sharing involves allowing children to simultaneously use a particular item or participate in an activity. This method promotes cooperation, communication, and social skills. Children learn to negotiate, compromise and understand others' perspectives, which is crucial in developing positive relationships with peers.

On the other hand, taking turns involves allowing each child to use an item or participate in an activity individually for a specific amount of time. This is before passing it on to the next person. This method teaches children patience, discipline, and waiting for their turn. Children learn to manage their emotions, control their impulses, and respect others' boundaries, which are critical skills for self-regulation and social interaction.

It is essential to consider the situation when choosing between sharing and taking turns. For example, sharing may be more appropriate for collaborative tasks such as building with blocks or working on a puzzle. This is because children need to work together to achieve a common goal. Taking turns may be more appropriate for activities that require individual attention, such as reading a book or playing a musical instrument.

Both methods also have their drawbacks. Sharing may lead to conflicts and arguments over who gets to use an item first, while taking turns may create frustration and impatience among children waiting for their turn.

The decision to share or take turns in children's education depends on the specific situation and the child's needs. It is essential to consider each method's benefits and drawbacks and choose the one that best promotes the child's social, emotional, and cognitive development.

Sharing VS Taking Turns, the basics!

Sharing is the process of giving something to someone else to use for a short period of time. This is usually done without any expectation of receiving something in return. Taking turns, on the other hand, is the process of alternating the use of an item among several children. This is done with the expectation that each child will get a turn to use the item.

The Montessori's approach to sharing and taking turns!

In Montessori education, the approach of sharing is preferred over taking turns. This is because sharing promotes the concept of generosity and empathy among children. It teaches children to be selfless and to think about the needs of others. Sharing also encourages the development of social skills such as communication and negotiation.

When children share, they can learn how to compromise and come to an agreement that benefits everyone. They also learn how to express their needs and wants respectfully and courteously. Sharing helps to create a sense of community and belonging among children.

Taking turns, on the other hand, can sometimes lead to feelings of frustration and impatience. Children may become upset when they have to wait for their turn to use an item. They may also feel that they are not getting enough time to play or explore.

However, taking turns can also be beneficial in certain situations. For example, when there is only one item available for use, taking turns ensures that every child gets a fair chance to use the item. It can also be useful in teaching children the concept of patience and waiting for their turn.

In Montessori education, both sharing and taking turns have their place. The approach that is used depends on the situation and the needs of the children. For example, sharing may be helpful during group activities such as cooking or art projects. Taking turns may be used during structured playtime or free play when certain items are limited.

Overall, the Montessori approach to sharing versus taking turns emphasizes the importance of cooperation and respect for others. By teaching children to share and take turns, they develop skills that will serve them well in future relationships and interactions with others.