Do the Materials Make it Montessori?

 

Right now is exam season for many Montessori training courses and it caused me to reflect on all the different courses that I have had the pleasure of being a part of. One specifically that came to mind was an adolescent course where I was able to observe a Socratic dialogue on the Absorbent Mind. One of the students had spoken up about how many communities can't have Montessori because there's no way they could afford the materials. This really caused me to pause for thought. Do the materials make it Montessori? What if you are in a classroom that does not have all the manipulatives? Can you still offer “good” Montessori?

 

My answer would have to be YES! This method should never be limited to what we can offer a child with the manipulatives. Montessori is so much more than that! When I think about this method, I always circle back to utilizing observation to serve the developmental needs of children. Recognizing those beautiful developmental manifestations and linking the young person to opportunities that best satisfy those needs. Freedom to explore, work with the hands, make choices, and to engage in purposeful activities are very important. Next, this method is grounded in love and showing respect and kindness to the child for who they are and who they may grow up to be. We support the children in learning how to solve problems and resolve conflicts peacefully with each other. They learn how to honor life through contact with the natural world. As the adult, we are so careful to be modeling the attitudes and behaviors that the child will internalize as they interact with others and grow in the world. This is Montessori and none of it requires the materials from the catalogs. 

 

So, I return to the original question. Do the materials make it Montessori? Absolutely not. The materials are a beautiful supplement to the theory that we employ to serve the development of the child. The materials are enriching yes, but the lack of a full set should not get in the way of an adult offering this method of education to the child.