More than a century ago, Maria Montessori sparked a revolution in early childhood education. As a physician, observer, and educator, Montessori discovered that children learn best in supportive environments that are carefully prepared and child-focused. She learned that children construct their knowledge through hands-on, multi-sensory activities when free to explore, self-select activities at their own pace, and guided by trained educators. This transformative approach to early childhood education has had a profound and lasting impact on education worldwide. Montessori's philosophy emphasizes nurturing every aspect of human development, social, emotional, and intellectual. Within this curated classroom community, children learn to be independent, self-reliant, resilient, and understand citizenship. They recognize they are part of a greater whole while cultivating a lifelong love for learning.
As we peer into the future, we know our children will face a world that is ever-changing. However, the principles of Montessori remain constant: freedom with limits, social and emotional development, independence, risk/perspective-taking, and purposeful movement. The skills our youngest children learn, which become fundamental to their lifelong learning, parallel some of the most essential skills employers value: critical thinking, emotional intelligence, creativity, collaboration, leadership skills, and flexibility. (Forbes, 2022).
FREEDOM WITHIN LIMITS
A fundamental Montessori tenet is "freedom within limits." Children are free to choose their work or activities. The activities are designed with intention and embed specific skills and concepts. For example, when students match numbers to counters, sounds to symbols, or create a lunch setting matching one plate to one napkin, they are offered multiple mediums to explore one-to-one correspondence.
Parent Tip: Children enjoy repetition as they find ways to work toward mastery. Keep your home organized and "clutter-free" so children can explore new activities and games. If you are working at a desk, create a special space with a few things for your child to do next to you. They will want to imitate what you're doing.
SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL
Another consideration is ensuring the social and emotional state of the classroom. Classrooms with robust opportunities for children to engage with their peers freely will help them develop social skills like cooperation, communication, and conflict resolution. The more social experiences children can have early on, the more prepared they will be to navigate more complex social situations. It is easier to build community in a safe and comforting space where everyone feels seen and heard. This sense of belonging and feeling part of a social group helps children assume some level of responsibility to that community. Montessori designates an entire curriculum section around "grace and courtesy," which embodies community, care of the environment, and care of self. Through unrestricted movement around the classroom and spontaneous interactions, children learn about societal norms and develop a sense of environmental stewardship.
Parent Tip: Help your child practice verbal exchanges using "serve and response" techniques-- when the child initiates an interaction, and the adult responds. It's like a game of tennis or volleyball. The child "serves" by reaching out, and you "return" the serve by interacting with your child.
INDEPENDENCE
A cornerstone of a Montessori learning environment is Independence. Through independence, children can make choices and begin to understand the outcomes of their choices. In a classroom with established routines, children begin to internalize this natural order. There is no greater sense of accomplishment than when a child exclaims, "I did it." This ownership of learning propels children to do more, try more, and explore more. In Montessori classrooms, materials are carefully crafted to be self-correcting so that children can learn from their mistakes and hone their problem-solving skills. By providing children with rich experiences they can self-select, we help them develop the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Parent Tip: "Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed." This quote by Maria Montessori exemplifies the true nature of independence. Children are highly capable and resilient. Pause next time you decide whether your child can accomplish a particular task independently, and use this quote as a guide.
RISK AND PERSPECTIVE-TAKING
Educators also want to inspire confidence and competence that fosters the ability to share one's accomplishments and the willingness to take risks. Risk-taking in all areas of development, including physical, social, emotional, and cognitive risks, is a necessary building block in early childhood. The extent to which children are exposed to self-correcting materials and activities directly correlates with their comfort in embracing mistakes. Mistakes are opportunities for figuring things out and cultivating the ability to learn from one's mistakes, think outside the box, and try again. This is how inventors think and generate ideas.
Perspective-taking is another crucial aspect because it helps children understand others' thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This skill promotes empathy, allowing children to relate to and connect with people around them. It also enhances social interactions by fostering better communication, cooperation, and conflict resolution. Additionally, perspective-taking lays the foundation for critical thinking and problem-solving abilities as children learn to consider different viewpoints. Perspective-taking is essential for healthy relationships and interactions.
Parent Tip: When reading at home, expose children to stories with multiple authors. For example, there are many versions of the fable "The Three Little Pigs." Read at least three versions of this story. When you read various renditions of the same story, children begin to understand different voices and not only the story told through the lens of one author.
PREPARED ENVIRONMENT & PURPOSEFUL MOVEMENT
A key teaching method in Montessori classrooms is creating a carefully designed environment. Each child has unique abilities, interests, and ways of learning, so it's important for teachers (and parents) to understand these individual traits. By identifying what fascinates them, teachers can tailor lessons to their interests.
This environment should encourage purposeful movement. When children can choose their own activities, they approach tasks with problem-solving skills and see them through to their own satisfaction. Being actively involved in activities they enjoy gives children a sense of achievement and confidence, which helps build resilience. The purposeful movement also encourages children to tackle challenges creatively. Whether it's building with blocks, navigating obstacle courses, or playing imaginatively, movement adds an enjoyable and meaningful dimension to learning.
Parent Tip: Parents can find ways to incorporate movement, balance, and body control into everyday activities. A great way for young children to integrate movement and develop both gross and fine motor skills is to encourage independence in self-care. Learning to button is a great way to refine small motor control, and using a step stool to help children reach counter height is a good gross motor activity.
Children are remarkable human beings with every opportunity and potential in front of them. It is essential that adults value the significance of these early years, knowing that the future is being shaped in these present moments, in every classroom and home, through every experience and every interaction.
"The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind." Maria Montessori
