Many people may be familiar with the fact that the students in the Montessori classroom are free to choose their own work and move about the classroom with purpose. However, there are many misconceptions regarding “structure” in the Montessori classroom. In fact, this freedom requires great responsibility from the child in order for students to move with purpose and choose appropriately challenging work. This is truly beautiful and magical and is based on over 100 years of research and practice. You may wonder, but how does it work?

Freedom and Choice in the Montessori Classroom:

Dr. Maria Montessori, Italy’s first female physician, devoted her life to observing children and how they naturally learn best. She created classrooms based on her scientific studies and philosophies, known today as the Montessori Method. Within the Montessori classroom, children are presented individual and small group lessons according to their intellectual, social, and emotional capabilities. The children are then given the freedom to choose their work from lessons that they have been presented with the Montessori materials. Furthermore, students in the Montessori classroom are free to choose their own seats, either at large table groups, individual desks, or perhaps even choosing to work on the mat on the floor. Children can work alone, or with a classmate, as long as they working quietly and purposefully.

Responsibility and Self-Discipline Develop with Freedom and Choice:

The Montessori classroom is one in which the utmost respect is given regarding the needs of the child. The children are free to take care of themselves. However, with this freedom comes great responsibility. The Montessori classroom is one in which the children are given the opportunity to develop self-discipline, self-control, confidence, and independence in order to function within the classroom community and learning environment. Children who require support developing these important life skills are given support with limited choices to ensure their success. Learning to manage small tasks provides the child the confidence and encouragement to continue to take of oneself. Children are then prepared to take on larger tasks and continue to develop and thrive with this system of freedom with limits. Children can thus only have freedom when they embrace and develop responsibility for themselves. This is the essence and beauty of the Montessori Method.