Respecting Babies: A New Look at Magda Gerber’s RIE Approach
by Ruth Anne Hammond
I have been a big proponent of the RIE (Resources for Infant Educarers) approach to caring for infants and toddlers, and now we have Ruth Hammond taking a new look at the method. It’s refreshing, renewing, and reminding all of us of the principles that Magda Gerber espoused during her lifetime.
The RIE approach is all about respect for, observation of, and trust in the child. These are the same key elements as in the Montessori approach. Gerber and Montessori were in complete alignment in those areas. If they diverge at all, it may be in the preparation of the environment once a toddler (18 months – 3 years old) goes to school or a childcare center. Montessorians have a very specific curriculum with didactic learning materials for that program.
RIE caregivers use many of the same (or very similar) materials as you would see in a RIE center; however, one might find more emphasis on relationships than a specific learning curriculum. Don’t misinterpret this as meaning that social interaction isn’t important in Montessori, but it is combined with educational goals as well.
This book is relatively short and easy to read. It is written for parents and other caregivers. It is loaded with real-life scenarios and Gerber quotes. I am so glad that I read it. It made me, once again, acutely aware of how I touch, speak, and observe the infants and toddlers in my life and how absolutely impactful those interactions are.
