Human Tendencies

Human tendencies are the inner guides that help the child acquire all those human characteristics required for the two essential functions of life: survival and adaptation. These tendencies are the driving forces that compel the child to engage in certain activities. Unlike animals, human beings have tendencies instead of instincts, and these tendencies direct them toward actions that fulfill their needs and facilitate the learning process.

Characteristics of Tendencies:

Tendencies are universal; they are the same all around the world. They persist from birth until death, with the child possessing them in the form of potential. These tendencies are crucial for the two essential functions of life: survival and adaptation. Tendencies direct the child toward activities that help fulfill their needs and aid learning. Unlike animals, humans have tendencies instead of instincts, meaning their characteristics are not pre-developed. Tendencies do not work alone; they collaborate, and more than one tendency can influence a person at a time. The intensity or effectiveness of tendencies remains constant throughout one’s life.

Tendency of Communication:

All human beings tend to communicate because of an inner urge to share needs, ideas, thoughts, and feelings with others. Communication can take various forms, such as talking, using language, or writing letters. However, the most effective way of communication is through spoken language. This tendency of communication dramatically contributes to language development in the initial years of life. Immediately after birth, a child communicates through crying, smiling, and babbling. Later, they develop language for proper communication of their needs and thoughts.

Tendency of Imitation:

The tendency of imitation involves copying what is observed in the environment. This tendency helps a baby develop and acquire human qualities. At a very young age, a child keeps their mother’s lips and mouth, imitating the movements to learn how to speak and develop the vocal cords required for speech. As children grow, they imitate others, idolizing people to be like them. The tendency of imitation plays a significant role in adaptation and continues throughout life.

Tendency of Independence:

The tendency of independence is present in all stages of human life. Physical autonomy is crucial in the first plane (0-6), as this is when a child learns movement and language. From ages 6-12 (second plane), mental independence becomes essential; during the third plane (12-18), economic independence is required. Social independence becomes necessary in the fourth plane, as individuals at this age want to be highly social with families and societies. Providing this independence is essential to reduce communication gaps and perform tasks perfectly.

Tendency of Orientation:

From birth to death, orientation is essential in our lives. A child, when born, is unfamiliar with their surroundings, gradually gaining orientation through observation, providing a sense of security. Orientation is crucial to understanding the surrounding environment and efficiently engaging in activities. Orientation is closely related to order; a well-oriented person finds mental satisfaction and a meaningful connection with the environment.

Tendency of Exploration:

The tendency to explore helps in understanding the environment and discovering existing possibilities. Exploration keeps individuals in contact with their surroundings and aids in a better understanding of the environment. In the first plane, a child explores through senses and physical movement, while in the second plane, exploration is done through reasoning power. The third plane focuses on exploring spiritual and moral values, and the fourth expands exploration even further.

Tendency of Order:

Order is the sequence or pattern followed in daily life. It is crucial for orientation and exploration. Physical order is vital for mental order, and disorder in the physical environment can lead to mental upset and dissatisfaction. Order is not only required in material aspects but also behavior. Dr. Maria Montessori’s quote, “A place for everything and everything in its place,” emphasizes the importance of order.

Tendency of Repetition:

All learning occurs through repetition, improving a task with each repetition. The tendency of repetition leads to perfection and exactness. When individuals, whether children or adults, aim to excel in a skill, they repeat it to achieve perfection.

Tendency of Movement:

The tendency of movement is the most important, as other tendencies rely on it. Movement is essential for repeating tasks, communicating, exploring, getting oriented, and performing creative activities. Nothing can be acquired without movement, which is crucial for survival.

Tendency of Work:

The tendency of work motivates individuals toward purposeful and meaningful activities that engage the body, spirit, and mind. Adults should provide practical life and sensorial activities that direct movement to acquire human characteristics.

Tendency of Concentration:

The tendency of concentration is the ability to focus on an activity. Concentration leads to better understanding, and if obstructed multiple times, a child may struggle to develop concentration. Loss of concentration results in a lack of interest, and allowing a child to work at their own pace without interruption is crucial.

Tendency of Exactness:

The tendency of exactness involves accuracy and is closely related to the tendency of imitation. Exactness motivates individuals to improve, reducing the chances of error. It is achieved through repetition and contributes to overall development.

Tendency of Calculation:

The tendency of calculation is essential for making judgments, starting from birth. Even a newborn judge’s distances and widths, developing a mathematical mind through daily calculations.

Tendency of Perfection:

The tendency of perfection motivates individuals to perform activities perfectly. Perfection is achieved through repetition, as individuals continue to practice until they master a skill.

Tendency of Abstraction:

Abstraction is a significant quality of the human mind. The child takes impressions of objects in the environment through motor sensorial activities and extracts essential characteristics to form mental images. Once abstraction occurs, there is no need for constant concrete representation, as the child remembers objects by name and characteristics.

Tendency of Creative Imagination:

Creative imagination is evident when a person designs or combines elements to create something new. Freedom without interference is essential for this tendency to flourish.

Conclusion:

Tendencies are inner directives that help the child learn, adapt to the environment, and acquire human characteristics. Movement and language can be acquired through the tendencies of movement and communication, along with other tendencies. Adults must guide these tendencies correctly through a prepared environment.