“Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed.”
Maria Montessori
Giving a child the gift of independence lets them know we value them and know they’re capable. Children can grow up feeling empowered and safe in their abilities to make sound choices. When we trust them, children learn to trust themselves, ultimately becoming happy and productive members of their communities.
Of course, this looks different at different ages. Children from birth to age six want to do things by themselves, while elementary aged children want to think for themselves. Adolescents seek both physical and social independence while they tread the waters between childhood and adulthood. It’s important to remind ourselves of these developmental stages, both as teachers and parents.
What Independence Means at School
In the earliest years at school, children focus on what we refer to as practical life skills. This may include learning to prepare simple snacks, putting on their own shoes or coats, or caring for classroom plants and animals. Children are given endless opportunities to practice these skills.
Another facet of independence at a Montessori school involves choice within limits. Children can decide what work they’re interested in. Teachers carefully prepare the classroom environment so that all choices are safe and desirable, but within those boundaries the child is free to explore.
As children get older (i.e., the elementary years and beyond), they must meet certain academic expectations. Teachers use a variety of tools to help students work independently while still meeting their goals, including work plans and time management strategies. Research becomes of great interest at this time, and children are given ample opportunity to deeply explore topics they choose.
How You Can Support This Work at Home
How can families continue the cultivation of independence in the home? It all starts with a shift in the way we view our children’s capabilities. They’re often able to do much more than we realize, and with a little bit of modeling they tend to eagerly accept a challenge. After all, our children want to do what we do, and if we give them the proper tools and support, they can begin practicing.
The chart below highlights some of the possibilities. Think of this as an inspiring guide that highlights what children of various ages are typically capable of. Giving our children tasks such as these builds their confidence while helping them learn how to be contributing members of a community – in this case, their family.
Looking Ahead
One of the easiest ways to encourage independence in our children is to be more aware in the moment. Though it can be a challenge to slow down and let them move at their pace (like when they insist on zipping up their own coat while we’re rushing out the door to go somewhere), it’s going to benefit them in the long run. Building a little extra time into our schedules can help!
Some little changes we can make to embed this value into our days:
- Send your child to put their shoes on 10 minutes before you’d like to leave.
- Leave child-friendly cleaning supplies within reach.
- Put pre-portioned or easy-to-prepare snacks on low shelves.
- Turn spills and messes into opportunities.
- Let your child (eek!) pick out their own clothes. For younger children especially, some weather appropriate guidance is just fine. Enjoy the creative fashion statements that ensue.
Montessori reminds us that supporting independence is a conquest that does not end, though it most definitely evolves. As Dr. Montessori once said, “Independence is not a static condition; it is a continuous conquest, and in order to reach not only freedom, but also strength, and the perfecting on one’s powers, it is necessary to follow this path of unremitting toil.”
Share This
Recent Articles From Our Blog
Simple Ways to Support Your Child’s Montessori Journey
A fresh new school year comes with lots of excitement, and often lots of questions from new and returning families alike. One of the most frequent questions we hear from parents is, “How can we support Montessori education at school by implementing Montessori at home?”
Tips on Effective Ways to Get Kids Back on Track
And just like that, summer is drawing to a close and a new school year is about to begin. Having been around the block a few times, we thought we’d share some tips and tricks to get the kids (and yourselves) ready!
Embracing Phase-In Days
As we gear up for another exciting school year, one important aspect of the Montessori approach that many parents might not be familiar with is the concept of phase-in days. This practice across authentic Montessori schools plays a crucial role in setting the stage for a successful and smooth transition into the new school year.
Pearlily Summer Reading List
As the school year comes to an end, it's the perfect time to dive into the wonderful world of books with your little ones. Reading together not only fosters a love for literature but also plays a crucial role in children's language development. In this week's blog post, we're excited to share a Montessori-inspired summer reading list tailored specifically for preschoolers and kindergartners.
Transitioning from Montessori to Traditional Schools
“How will my child adjust?” Whether a child is transitioning from a Montessori preschool or kindergarten to public first grade, or the transition takes place later, many parents find themselves asking this question. While children may differ from each other in terms of their response to changes and new environments, the short and simple answer is that Montessori children will more than do just fine.
Prepare your child for life.
Is your child a dreamer? A builder? A thinker? A storyteller? An explorer?
At Pearlily Montessori, we educate children 3-6 years old and support them in becoming independent, responsible students who love to learn. Learn more about:
Our Mission
The Prepared Environment
Our Early Childhood Program
To grasp the essence of a Montessori education, just step inside a classroom.
Explore Pearlily.
Please fill out this form to learn more about the school, tuition, or to schedule a visit. We will contact you at the first opportunity.