How does a Montessori school use simulation games?

The idea of using Business Simulation Games as a family integrating game during quarantine is quite unusual. Check how it got implemented in the Montessori Latawiec Private Primary School in Sopot.

The Customer

The Montessori Latawiec Private Primary School has been operating in Sopot for 3 years. It has fewer than 30 pupils, pursuing education in grades 1 to 5. The school works on the basis of Montessori method of education – it values the practical dimension of education, individual approach to children and the belief that each of them has their own potential and their own learning pace. Any value that school transmits to children must be reflected in life.

Reasons for implementing Revas’ simulations in the Montessori Latawiec Private Primary School

The school is constantly looking for tools constructed in the spirit of Montessori method of education. As Krystyna Kolwas, the principal of the school, points out: For me, business simulations are just such a modern Montessorian tool for older children – through gaining experience the child learns about the surrounding world and the laws governing it. It learns without being aware of the fact that it is learning. This is how I perceive what Revas has to offer. This is why, when I heard about the company, I felt that it was something that would definitely work for our school. Initially, I was thinking about our older children in grades 4 and 5 and more about extracurricular activities. But when such an option emerged during the social quarantine period, I started thinking not only about the children themselves, but about the whole families.

How to use the simulations during quarantine?

With a certain degree of caution, I proposed this game as an activity for the whole families. I didn’t know if my idea would appeal to others. But when, even despite technical difficulties, seven families appeared on the first online meeting, I was very happy. The team is made up of one family – adults and children. We meet once or twice a week for 15 minutes.
Simulation games teach the participants of the game not only the basic rules of business. They also allow them to spend more time with each other, learn to cooperate or have a constructive conversation. By using this method, children are able to observe their parents when making decisions and draw conclusions for themselves. Moreover, they feel that they have a real influence on team decisions and learn the art of negotiation.
In my own family, because there were too many ideas, we had to vote on the name of the company as well as on the logo. And all of it during the first round only. Therefore, you can also say, at least in our case, that this game also teaches us democracy. – adds the principal.

What do players say about our simulations?

Even though this game is mainly for secondary school students and I’m still attending primary school, I’m getting good scores. This game is awesome, and I like everything in it (apart from the fact that someone is constantly winning with me) – says Ania, a fourth grade student, who, together with her parents and brother, a second grade student, participate in the simulation as a Hello Summer travel agency.

Effects and results

Families may experience the joy of victory but also the sadness of failure. They learn to deal with different things together. What is more, simulation games show them that you cannot give up, but rather should look at the mistakes you make – analyze them and draw conclusions. This is an important part of learning in the spirit of Montessori method od education – errors are an indispensable element of becoming an adult.
We are only in the fifth round, so we are still learning. However, I can say that I can see the engagement, the close-up. It also gives me the opportunity to get to know both children and adults from a different perspective. – summarizes Krystyna Kolwas.

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Publication date

22/04/2020

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