Montessori Fosters Independence in Preschoolers
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How Montessori Fosters Independence in Preschoolers

Step into a Montessori classroom and you’ll see children performing many different tasks. One child might be sweeping the floor while another prepares a snack to eat. Many people are surprised to see 3 and 4-year-olds performing so many tasks without help from adults. Yet, in a Montessori classroom, this is the norm. 

How does Montessori foster independence? Through the Montessori method, young children get to fulfill their inner need, to do things “all by myself!” Here’s how the Montessori method helps children become more independent. 

The Child’s Goal: To Become Independent

Maria Montessori observed that from birth, children work hard to become independent. In her own words, Montessori explained what independence meant to her, “The essence of independence is to be able to do something for one’s self.” 

Babies depend on their parents for everything. From birth, babies work hard to learn to do things by themselves. If you picture a baby learning to crawl or walk, this is easy to understand. First, children want to become mobile so that they can move about freely, without help from others. 

As children grow, they work toward new goals. As Montessori said, “The child’s development follows a path of successive stages of independence.” 

“Help Me to Do It Myself”: The Adult’s Role in Helping Children Develop Independence

Montessori teachers use a variety of strategies to help children learn to do things independently. One of the most important rules Montessori teachers follow is to “Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed.”

This Montessori quote sums up the approach teachers take in the classroom. When a child is struggling to tie a shoe or cut a piece of paper, teachers don’t step in immediately. Instead, they watch and wait. If the child needs help, they can ask for help. By not intervening prematurely, children get the chance to build their skills and confidence.

When adults step in too soon when a child is trying to put on their jacket or tie their shoes, we communicate, “You can’t do this by yourself. You need help.” Stepping in too soon also takes away from the child’s chance to practice skills.

Benefits of choosing Montessori Schools

Montessori and Practical Life Activities

In Montessori preschool programs, children learn to do things by themselves. When she created her curriculum for young children, Montessori included activities and lessons to help children become more independent.  “If teaching is to be effective with young children, it must assist them to advance on the way to independence,” Montessori said. That’s what the practical life curriculum offers. Practical life activities help children build skills for independence. For example, children practice skills to learn to eat and cook independently. One Montessori activity children may enjoy is spooning dry beans or rice.  Another practical life activity is the dressing frames. Children use these frames to practice doing buckles, tying bows or laces, and doing buttons.  Other practical life activities include learning to clean up. Children learn to sweep the floor, wipe up a spill, and more. Surprisingly, many children often enjoy these activities. These lessons help children feel more independent.  As Montessori herself said, “Montessori is an education for independence, preparing not just for school, but for life.” Children watch adults performing all kinds of tasks, including chores. Young children naturally want to copy what they see their parents doing. Learning practical life skills helps children succeed in more than just academics but also in life. 

Freedom of Choice and Independence

Montessori also believed that children should learn to make decisions. This is why in Montessori preschool programs, children have freedom of choice. Instead of the teacher telling children what to do, children can pick from a selection of lessons and activities.  When children have the chance to practice making decisions, they learn to make better decisions. Over time, children learn to prioritize which activities they want to enjoy. Teachers still invite children to lessons and guide them, but children get the opportunity to make age-appropriate choices. 

The Link Between Independence and Confidence 

Independence is important for children! By becoming more and more independent over time, children prepare for adulthood. Achieving independence is a long process. When children are given age-appropriate independence, they can make mistakes and learn from them before the mistakes are consequential. Learning to do things for oneself is also important psychologically. Research shows that children whose parents encourage independence are more self-confident and have better mental health. Similarly, children who do chores at home have better outcomes later in life. Children who do chores in childhood are more self-sufficient and competent as adults. 

How Do You Promote Independence in Your Child?

Montessori preschool programs foster independence in children every day. However, you can help your child become more independent at home as well. Here are a few ways you can help your child be more independent at home:
  • Wait Before Stepping In: Give your child more time to try doing things on their own. Follow Montessori’s advice and don’t help your child if they don’t ask for help. Instead, let your child try putting their shoes on, getting dressed, or cutting up their food. 
  • Use Child-Sized Furniture: You can help your child be independent by using child-sized furniture. Also, add step stools to your kitchen and bathroom so that they can perform tasks on their own. This way, they can prepare some snacks on their own as well as take care of their own hygiene. 
  • Let Your Child Make Decisions: Invite your child to make small decisions like which shirt to wear. You can provide a few outfit options at first. When your child has had more practice, you might let your child simply pick clothes from their bureau or closet. You can also let your child make choices about snacks or activities. 
Would you like your child to have the chance to develop their independence at school? Montessori Learning Centre is a leading Montessori school in Calgary. Get in touch to learn about our Calgary daycare and preschool programs. 

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