Sensory feedback an important aspect of the Montessori method
In the article titled “A for App” (May issue), although
the author mistakenly identified the main issue many
educators (and I) have with technology in the classroom
as social (I suppose that would be a concern if your
child were educated by computer in the home only), I
enjoyed the balance brought with the parents’ comments
in the end.
The neuropsychologists who say that Montessori is
a method they would invent if it had not been invented
already are pointing to the sensorial aspect and the opportunity
for related movement with sensory feedback
that is lacking with electronic materials. It is through the
senses that the very important link between movement
and new pathways in the brain are made.
James Gorman’s recent New York Times article (“A
Sense of Where You Are”) highlights recent research
clarifying the link between movement and learning that
helps to explain the importance of movement.
Montessori said, “The hand is the instrument of the
brain,” and, with the many Practical Life and Sensorial
Exercises a child gets in a Montessori environment, rich
opportunities are given for the development of the hand,
and then, the brain.
I will share copies [of Khabar] at our faculty meeting
Monday with pride.
Gail Pruitt Hall, M.Ed.
Director of Education
Northwoods Montessori
Atlanta, Georgia
Spanish lessons anyone?
This is about Hem Chaudhuri’s letter in your April issue
about the need for Indian-Americans to learn Spanish. If
someone can arrange a facility in the Atlanta area, I can
teach anyone who’s interested. Contact me at jemcnga@yahoo.com or at 478-474-0286 Monday through Friday.
Saludos!
Jagdish Engineer
Macon, Georgia
Blessed are the peacemakers
The news report titled
“With warmth and respect, interfaith friendships blossom,” in the April 2013 issue, was
heart-warming. Recently,
in a town in Uttar Pradesh,
India, Muslims leaders
decided to celebrate Holi
with their Hindu friends,
making it one of the best
Holi celebrations in that
area, which had seen several
incidents of tension
between Hindus and Muslims
in the past. The greatest paradox in today’s world is
the bitterness we see in the relations between neighbors
of two religions while all religions preach that truth, charity,
compassion, mercy, and love are the divine principles of
life. I also read about the rebirth of a traditional Moroccan
celebration of Muslim-Jewish friendship in Israel. People of
different religions will have to open their doors to believers
in other faiths, communicate with them, and entertain
them with respect. Only then can friendship be established,
and we can all live in a city of peace, which is the ultimate
master-plan of the Creator. “Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God (Matthew 5:9).” That
divine instruction taught by Jesus is totally applicable to all
human beings on earth.
Also, with regard to Hem Chaudhuri’s letter, there is
indeed a dire need for Indian-Americans to learn Spanish.
In order to interact with the second largest population group
in the U.S., it’s important to learn their language. I learned
some Spanish when I went to Mexico for a few days, and
that comes in handy now. When I interact with Spanish-speaking
people, they smile at me, and an easy bridge is
established. Knowing a stranger’s language is the best
way to make a personal or business connection. When my
daughter was in college, she asked me if she should learn
German, French, or Spanish. I advised her to learn Spanish.
She’s a school psychologist now, and her knowledge of
Spanish is an asset. Since it’s not practical or easy to learn
many languages, let’s give priority to Spanish—which will
help us greatly in the years to come.
A. S. Mathew
Ringgold, Georgia
Enlightening spiritually
Very good, profound, and precise explanation of the realm of devotion (Spiritual StraightTalk, May issue). I read
Khabar without fail for its informative articles. Sadhguru’s writings
are always enlightening and a source of guidance for those who want to know things that
will enrich their lives both morally and spiritually.
Khabar is a magazine of pride for the
Indian community. Thank you for everything.
Zainub Hirani
online comment
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