The Montessori philosophy encourages the development of the whole child—intellectually, emotionally, socially, and physically. One of the key social principles embedded in this approach is the concept of giving and receiving. For children 6 and under, this principle is not just about material exchanges but also about the mutual acts of kindness, respect, and collaboration that shape their relationships and worldview.

In a Montessori environment, giving and receiving come to life in a way that nurtures children’s sense of empathy and responsibility while fostering independence. Here’s how these concepts can be understood and supported during this developmental stage:

The Spirit of Giving in the Montessori Classroom

Young children naturally enjoy helping and sharing, especially when they see their actions make a meaningful impact. Our schools are designed to support this innate generosity by creating opportunities for children to give in both tangible and intangible ways through:

1. Practical Life Activities: In the prepared environment, children take care of their surroundings through activities like cleaning, watering plants, arranging flowers and setting the table. These tasks are small acts of giving that build a sense of contribution to the community.
2. Sharing Knowledge and Skills: Intentional multi-age environments offer opportunities for older children to mentor their younger peers. This peer-to-peer teaching not only reinforces the older child’s mastery of a skill but also instills confidence and kindness through the act of giving knowledge.
3. Acts of Kindness: the adults encourage children to perform simple acts of kindness, like helping a another child zip their coat or comforting someone who is upset. These moments show children that giving isn’t always material—it’s also about offering support and care.

The Art of Receiving

Giving children the opportunity to receive is just as important as guiding them in learning how to give. Receiving graciously allows children to understand gratitude and builds an appreciation for the contributions of others.

1. Acknowledging Help: When children receive assistance, the adults model how to say “thank you” and acknowledge the act. For example, if a child is offered help during a work cycle, they learn to accept the help with kindness and gratitude.
2. Grace and Courtesy Lessons: These cornerstone lessons in Montessori environments focus on social interactions, including how to give and receive compliments, how to share materials, and how to accept gifts or help in a polite and meaningful way.
3. Appreciation for Nature and Community: Children are encouraged to receive the gifts of their environment—fresh air, a beautiful flower, or a story read aloud during group time. This helps them develop mindfulness and gratitude for both the tangible and intangible joys of life.

The Reciprocity of Giving and Receiving

In Montessori prepared environments, giving and receiving are seen as a balanced exchange that fosters relationships and a sense of community. For example:

1. Work Materials: When a child is finished with a material, they return it to the shelf, giving another child the opportunity to use it. This act reinforces responsibility and respect for shared resources.
2. Collaborative Play: Children naturally learn to negotiate, take turns, and share roles in activities, experiencing both the joy of giving and the patience of waiting to receive. 
3. Meal Times: Food preparation and sharing allows the children to contribute to the needs of others while receiving nourishment and community in return. While recent times have shifted some of the children’s ability to share prepared food, it is still incorporated into the daily flow of the day - passing the water pitcher, helping pick up a dropped utensil, or passing out bread made during the morning or afternoon work cycle. 

Tips for Supporting Giving and Receiving at Home

Families play an essential role in reinforcing these lessons outside the school environment. Here are some ways to nurture giving and receiving at home:

1. Model Generosity and Gratitude: Children learn best by example. Let them see you give and receive compliments, share with others, and express gratitude in daily interactions.
2. Provide Opportunities to Contribute: Involve children in household tasks like setting the table, folding laundry, or packing their own lunch, or even a family member’s lunch. These acts of giving help them feel capable and valued.
3. Celebrate Small Acts of Kindness: Highlight moments when your child gives or receives thoughtfully, reinforcing the positive emotions tied to those actions.

In a Montessori school, the act of giving and receiving is not a one-time lesson but a continuous experience woven into the child’s daily life. It helps children learn to be empathetic, mindful, and grateful individuals. By fostering these qualities during the first years of life, we lay the foundation for children to build meaningful relationships and embrace a lifelong spirit of generosity and gratitude.

As Dr. Maria Montessori said, “The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind.” By nurturing the ability to give and receive with grace, we help children become compassionate contributors to a better, more connected world.