“Everything must be taught, and everything must be connected with life; but this does not mean the actions which children have learned to perform and to integrate with their practical lives should be suppressed or directed by us in every detail….How he is to use what he has learned is a task for his own conscience, an exercise of his own responsibility. “ (p.93, para. 3)

Thoughts after reading: 5. Education in Movement (Part 3)

The lesson is separate from the implementation of what was learned. Montessori Lessons introduce the child to exercises or materials for them to do for themselves.   They are mostly self-correcting and through practice the child can develop personal satisfaction in their ability. A child does not learn through imitation, but through immersing themselves in their own work. Although it may be difficult to pull back from the child as he becomes involved in his work, it is essential. Montessori warns that the teacher can be the child’s biggest obstacle. The child benefits from choosing work for himself that he is drawn to and from working with the work without disruption.

The child must also be allowed the opportunity to use the skills they learn, in their everyday world without being told exactly how to do it. The child should synthesize their learning in the real world. They should determine for themselves what action they ought to perform in relationship to the circumstance. Adult coaching holds the adult accountable for the child’s action, preventing the child from developing their own sense of responsibility.

Montessori, M. (1972). Education in Movement. In The discovery of the child (pp. 91-98) New York: Ballantine