Why Grace and Courtesy Lessons Start in the Infant Years - post

When most people hear “grace and courtesy,” they think of #toddlers learning to say please and thank you, or #preschoolers practicing how to politely interrupt a conversation. But in Montessori, grace and courtesy begin much earlier—right in the infant years.

Yes, even babies are soaking up lessons about kindness, respect, and social interactions long before they can speak in full sentences. Let’s explore why starting #early matters, how these tiny lessons shape a child’s world, and how #educators and caregivers can deepen their practice through professional training.

What Is Grace and Courtesy in Montessori?

Grace and courtesy are simply the social skills and respectful behaviors we use every day—things like:

• Greeting others kindly

• Waiting patiently

• Saying please, thank you, or excuse me

• Caring for others and the environment

In a Montessori setting, these lessons aren’t “taught” through lectures. Instead, they are modeled by adults and practiced naturally by children in real-life situations.

Why Start in the Infant Years?

1. Babies Are Natural Absorbers

From birth to age three, children are in what Dr. Maria Montessori called the “absorbent mind” stage. They take in everything around them— #language, gestures, tone of voice, and even the way adults interact with each other.

2. Early Respect Builds Security

When adults treat infants with respect—waiting for their attention before speaking, explaining what’s about to happen, or handling their bodies gently—it gives the child a sense of dignity. This respect is the foundation of grace and courtesy.

3. Toddlers Want to Belong

As babies grow into toddlers, their desire to be part of the community becomes strong. Grace and courtesy lessons help them learn how to participate—how to share space, take turns, or offer help.

What Grace and Courtesy Looks Like for Infants and Toddlers

These lessons show up in very small, everyday moments:

• Modeling Greetings: Waving hello and goodbye.

• Taking Turns: Handing toys gently instead of grabbing.

• Using Gentle Touch: Guiding a child’s hand softly if they reach out roughly.

• Polite Language: Adults consistently using please and thank you, even with babies.

• Respecting Space: Teaching toddlers to wait instead of pushing through a group.

They aren’t “formal lessons” but everyday interactions that build lifelong habits.

The Bigger Picture: Peace Education

Grace and courtesy lessons in infancy are more than teaching manners—they’re laying the foundation for peace education. When children learn respect, #empathy, and kindness from day one, they grow into cooperative and compassionate learners.

This is where professional #development can make a big difference for educators.

Raising Peaceful Learners: The Montessori Advantage

If you’re passionate about guiding children toward independence, respect, and harmony, consider the course “Raising Peaceful Learners: The Montessori Advantage.”

This professional development course has been approved by the American Montessori Society (AMS) for continuing professional development hours.

Inside, you’ll:

• Dive deep into the five guiding principles of Montessori, like respect for the child and the power of the prepared environment.

• Explore how hands-on learning and individualized pacing #nurture #growth.

• Learn the art of Grace and Courtesy, teaching children social skills that last a lifetime.

• Discover how Peace Education helps young children practice conflict resolution and develop empathy.

By mastering these transformative principles, educators and caregivers can create vibrant, nurturing environments that inspire curiosity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.

✨ Remember: every warm smile, gentle word, or respectful pause is already a grace and courtesy lesson for your infant or toddler. With the right guidance—and the right training—you can raise truly peaceful learners who will carry these values into every stage of life.

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