Fostering independence in Montessori settings

This podcast episode and article take a critical look at independence in Montessori practice, discussing Montessori materials, the dichotomy between work and play, an asset-based approach, the role of the adult and more. Sole Scuderi shares his experience of working in Montessori settings and explains that blended practice is considered best practice – merging different approaches and pedagogies with Montessori principles.

Read Sole's article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/fostering-independence-in-montessori-settings

Listen to more:

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:

Montessori for sustainability – Sarah Cummins - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/montessori-for-sustainability/

Montessori in practice today – Sarah Thorpe – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/montessori-in-practice-today/

Learned helplessness: Are we setting children up for failure? – Dr Sue Allingham – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/learned-helplessness/

Episode break down:

00:00 – Sharing international pedagogies
04:00 – How is independence a Montessori value?
08:28 – Self-correcting materials
11:00 – Activities for everyday living/practical life
13:00 – The adult's role as a guide
14:30 – Calm and order in Montessori classrooms
15:10 – Cultural area of learning – the map game
18:00 – Unlocking the child's potential through independence
19:30 – The 'horme' concept in Montessori
20:00 – Adult as a guide vs co-constructor
21:30 – Sensorial area in Montessori classrooms
25:30 – Is there role play in Montessori classrooms?
31:00 – 'Mainstream provision' blending with Montessori provision
33:00 – Modern Montessori practice
33:39 – The concept of 'work' in Montessori classrooms
34:45 – Is 'work' contradictory to 'play'?
38:00 – Learned helplessness can happen in Montessori classrooms
39:30 – Curriculum provision in Montessori
43:30 – Unlocking a child's potential
48:00 – Montessori classroom myth
49:00 – Cycles of activities and tidying up
56:00 – Group presentations and activities
59:00 – In the moment planning
01:01:30 – The nature table – a strong Montessori influence
01:03:40 – Taking a critical lens but equally celebrating Montessori practice

For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com