15 Montessori Values for your Classroom

Montessori Values

1. Independence

Montessori classrooms are designed to empower children to choose their own activities and work at their own pace, fostering independence (Isaacs, 2018).

The environment is carefully prepared with child-sized furniture and accessible materials, allowing children to take charge of their own learning. Practical life activities, such as pouring, dressing, and cleaning, are integral to the curriculum, teaching children to care for themselves and their surroundings (Lillard & Else-Quest, 2006).

By promoting independence, Montessori helps children build confidence and self-reliance from a young age.

2. Respect

Respect is a core value in Montessori education, encompassing respect for oneself, others, and the environment (Lillard, 2017).

Children are taught to handle materials and classroom resources with care, demonstrating respect for shared property. The mixed-age group setting encourages older children to model respectful behavior for younger peers, fostering a community of mutual respect (Ozerem & Kavas, 2013).

Additionally, lessons on grace and courtesy are embedded in the curriculum, guiding children in respectful social interactions.

3. Self-Discipline

Montessori education emphasizes self-discipline by allowing children to make choices within clear boundaries.

The structured environment and consistent routines help children develop self-regulation and time-management skills. Montessori materials are designed to be self-correcting, encouraging children to learn from their mistakes and take responsibility for their actions (Isaacs, 2018; Lillard & Else-Quest, 2006).

Through repeated practice and intrinsic motivation, children learn to set goals, stay focused, and complete tasks independently (Ozerem & Kavas, 2013).

4. Curiosity

Curiosity is nurtured in Montessori classrooms by providing a rich variety of engaging, hands-on learning materials.

Children are encouraged to explore topics of interest at their own pace, fostering a natural love of learning (Lillard & Else-Quest, 2006). The teacher’s role as a guide helps to spark curiosity and provide resources for deeper investigation.

By valuing and supporting each child’s individual interests, Montessori education helps maintain and expand their innate curiosity.

5. Empathy

Montessori education fosters empathy by emphasizing social and emotional development alongside academic growth (Lillard, 2017). Children are taught to recognize and understand their own feelings as well as the feelings of others through activities and discussions.

The mixed-age classroom setting provides opportunities for older children to mentor and assist younger peers, promoting a sense of compassion and understanding. Additionally, group activities and collaborative learning experiences help children practice empathy in real-life situations.

6. Collaboration

Collaboration is a key component of Montessori education, with a focus on cooperative learning and teamwork.

The mixed-age classroom environment encourages children to work together, share knowledge, and support each other’s learning (Lillard & Else-Quest, 2006). Group projects and activities are designed to foster a sense of community and collaboration, teaching children how to communicate effectively and solve problems together.

By working in teams, children develop important social skills and learn the value of cooperation (Lillard, 2017).

7. Creativity

Montessori classrooms are designed to nurture creativity by providing a wide range of materials and activities that encourage imaginative thinking (Ozerem & Kavas, 2013).

Children are given the freedom to explore and express themselves through art, music, and creative play (Isaacs, 2018). The Montessori approach values process over product, allowing children to experiment and innovate without fear of making mistakes.

By fostering an environment where creativity is encouraged and celebrated, Montessori education helps children develop their unique talents and creative potential.

8. Responsibility

Responsibility is emphasized in Montessori education through activities that teach children to care for themselves, others, and their environment (Lillard, 2017).

Practical life exercises, such as cleaning, gardening, and taking care of classroom pets, instill a sense of accountability and stewardship (Isaacs, 2018). Children are given classroom roles and responsibilities, helping them understand the importance of contributing to their community.

By encouraging children to take ownership of their actions and surroundings, Montessori education promotes a strong sense of responsibility and integrity.

9. Self-Motivation

Montessori education nurtures self-motivation by allowing children to pursue their interests and learn at their own pace (Ozerem & Kavas, 2013).

The environment is designed to provide a variety of engaging, hands-on materials that captivate children’s curiosity and drive.

By offering choices and encouraging autonomy, children become intrinsically motivated to explore and master new skills. Teachers support this self-directed learning by acting as guides, helping children set and achieve their personal goals.

10. Order

Order is a crucial aspect of the Montessori classroom, with a carefully prepared environment that supports structured and purposeful learning.

The organization of materials and the layout of the classroom are designed to promote independence and concentration (Lillard & Else-Quest, 2006). Children learn to appreciate order through daily routines and the expectation to return materials to their proper places (Ozerem & Kavas, 2013).

This emphasis on order helps children develop a sense of predictability and stability, which is essential for their cognitive and emotional development.

11. Focus

Focus is developed in Montessori classrooms through extended, uninterrupted work periods that allow children to engage deeply with their tasks.

The carefully prepared environment minimizes distractions and provides the resources needed for concentrated learning (Lillard, 2017). Montessori materials are designed to capture children’s interest and encourage sustained attention.

By allowing children to work at their own pace and follow their interests, Montessori education helps them develop the ability to concentrate and maintain focus on their activities (Ozerem & Kavas, 2013).

12. Perseverance

Montessori education fosters perseverance by encouraging children to work through challenges and learn from their mistakes (Isaacs, 2018). The classroom environment is supportive and non-judgmental, allowing children to take risks and try new things without fear of failure.

Montessori materials are designed to be self-correcting, helping children to independently identify and resolve errors, which builds resilience (Lillard & Else-Quest, 2006).

Through repeated practice and mastery of progressively challenging tasks, children develop a strong sense of perseverance and determination.

13. Adaptability

Adaptability is nurtured in Montessori classrooms by encouraging flexibility and openness to change.

Children are given the opportunity to explore different activities and approaches to learning, helping them to develop problem-solving skills and adaptability (Lillard, 2017).

The mixed-age setting allows children to learn from each other and adapt to various social dynamics (Isaacs, 2018).

By promoting a growth mindset and the ability to adjust to new situations, Montessori education prepares children to navigate an ever-changing world.

14. Joy of Learning

The joy of learning is a core value in Montessori education, emphasizing the intrinsic pleasure children find in discovery and understanding (Lillard & Else-Quest, 2006). Montessori classrooms are designed to be engaging and stimulating, with hands-on materials that capture children’s interest and curiosity.

The self-directed nature of Montessori education allows children to pursue their passions and interests, making learning a joyful and fulfilling experience.

By creating a positive and encouraging learning environment, Montessori education instills a lifelong love of learning in children.

15. Environmental Stewardship

Environmental stewardship is emphasized in Montessori education by teaching children to respect and care for the natural world (Ozerem & Kavas, 2013).

Montessori classrooms often include activities like gardening, recycling, and learning about nature, which instill a sense of responsibility for the environment (Isaacs, 2018; Lillard, 2017). Children are encouraged to engage in practices that promote sustainability, such as conserving water and reducing waste.

By fostering an appreciation for the environment, Montessori education helps children develop lifelong habits of stewardship and a deep connection to the Earth.