23 Mar Freedom Within Limits

There is a common misconception that children in Montessori classrooms are free to do as they want. It is true that children have the freedom to choose work that interests them, however, there are limits.

So, what exactly is freedom within limits?

Providing children with the opportunity to make their own choices is empowering. It teaches independence, self-control, and responsibility. Children have the right to choose a work they have had a lesson on, work with the material as long as they like and move about the classroom as needed.

However, with freedom comes responsibility. Each child is responsible for cleaning up and restoring work to the shelves as they found it. A child is not allowed to disrupt other children who are working or misuse the materials. These ground rules set the limits in the classroom.

By teaching children the relationship between freedom and responsibility, we are preparing them for adulthood.