Quote

…the climbing instinct which is so apparent in children is merely an effort to pull himself up, he looks for difficult things in the environment to climb on, like a chair. But a staircase is a very great joy, for there is a tendency in the child to go up. I have seen a child who was climbing a very steep staircase from one floor of a house to the other; the steps were so steep that they reached to the child’s middle and he had to use both hands to pull himself up and then put his legs round in a most difficult position, but he had the constancy to reach the top, 45 steps. Then he looked back to see what he had achieved, overbalanced and went head over heels backwards down the stairs. They were thickly carpeted and when he had reached the last bump and was at the bottom again, he was facing right round into the room. We thought he would cry, but he laughed as if to say: “How hard to go up and how easy to come down”…

Quote ID: 03563

Author

Maria Montessori

Source

The Absorbent Mind

Our quote collection is searchable! Use the search box to find what you’re seeking.

Please leave this field empty

Stay Updated

Receive regular play, professional development, and caregiver self-care updates.

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

Author

Jeff Johnson

Website

Jeff Johnson is an early learning trainer, podcaster, and author who founded Explorations Early Learning, Playvolution HQ, and Play Haven.

Contact Me