The misconception that Montessori children are always allowed to do “whatever they want” is a common one. The reality is discipline is an integral part of Montessori programs, that aims to teach children to regulate themselves. It is important to understand that self-discipline is not a skill that is learned overnight; rather it is the result of many years of development.

Montessori schools do not discourage children from engaging in the make-believe play, rather they promote imagination and fantasies.

Maria Montessori observed that children under the age of six preferred “real” to fantasy when given the choice. She watched as time after time, young children chose cleaning, cooking, and other practical life activities over fantasy play.

One of the most common questions parents ask is how will my child fare when he or she transitions from Montessori school into traditional school? Everyone’s life involve changes at some point, as long as you are equipped with coping tools, which we strive to do.

The Montessori classroom is referred to as a “prepared environment” because it is filled with activities or tasks that children engage with using their hands and minds. The environment functions as a teacher, offering new things for the child to learn. It is prepared for them ahead of time and laid out for their use.

Research shows that people reinforce their knowledge when they teach it to others. Anyone who has ever had to teach a skill to someone else knows that the process of explaining a new concept or helping someone practice a new skill leads the teacher to learn as much, if not more, than the pupil. An older child helping a younger one is pivotal to the success of a Montessori classroom.

No. The guides/teachers are highly trained in observation. When a child has mastered a skill, the teacher will give the child a lesson that is more challenging, considering the age and interest of each child.

Because the environment is so stimulating and exciting, children seldom “do nothing.” There are hundreds of prepared lessons for the child to choose from every day! This is another positive aspect of the prepared environment.