Mrs. Cassaro
MSK Casa Department
There are so many things that Dr. Montessori got right while developing this method for guiding children, but one of the aspects that we want to point out today is the freedom and responsibility principle is the basis of every Montessori school all around the world.
When she first started out, Dr. Montessori did not have predetermined goals in mind; she just wanted to SUPPORT the children as they constructed themselves into beautiful, young and strong individuals. As she observed the children in her care, Dr. Montessori realized that there are some universal traits and needs that apply to every child and she was determined to meet those needs and let the child grow into all that he or she could be. She recognized that all this self-construction needs to take place in an environment that allows for freedom and responsibility.
What are the freedoms we nurture and liberties we offer in the environment:
- freedom to choose their work
- freedom to work in groups
- freedom to think for themselves
- freedom to communicate
- freedom to move and act
- freedom to reflect
- freedom to go out
- freedom from interference/disruptions
The freedom that Dr. Montessori had in mind, did not, and does not, mean that children can do whatever they want. Freedom comes with responsibility to the classmates, family, school, and society and entails a fair amount of self-control. In fact, “to let the child do as he likes when he has not developed any powers of control is to betray the idea of freedom.”
~ Maria Montessori
What responsibilities are given to the child in a Montessori classroom?
- to know the limits of the environment and abide by these limits
- to work and to concentrate
- to ask for help when needed
- to be aware of others and to work cooperatively
- to work toward self-construction
- to help take care/ clean their environment
- to choose activities that will be used with purpose
Therefore, Montessori schools provide LOTS of opportunities to practice freedom and responsibility. We see this when Montessori children grow and mature over the course of a school year, into wholesome and caring human beings.
As Dr. Montessori intended, the impact of cultivating and balancing freedom with responsibility is ultimately seen as peace; a peaceful person and peaceful world. You can create your own peaceful home by learning how to consistently implement and balance freedom and responsibility with your children – bridging the school home connection into a harmonious learning opportunity for personal growth and development.
