5 Common Myths About Montessori Education

Montessori education is widely recognized for its benefits in early childhood development, yet there's still a lot of misunderstanding around its core principles. Many parents and educators hold misconceptions about the approach, which can lead to confusion. For example, some believe that Montessori involves complete freedom with no rules.

Is this really the case?

This article will debunk these myths and clarify the true principles of Montessori education.

1. "The child is the king"

Myth: Many people think that in a Montessori classroom, children do whatever they want, with no boundaries, and that they are "the king" of the class.

Reality: In fact, Montessori emphasizes autonomy but within a structured framework. Children have the freedom to choose their activities, but they also learn to respect rules and guidelines that are essential for their development. The goal is to promote freedom in an orderly environment, allowing children to grow while learning to respect others and their surroundings.

2. "There are no rules in Montessori"

Myth: Some people believe that Montessori education is completely free of rules.

Reality: On the contrary, Montessori is based on a very clear set of guidelines. These rules are designed to foster a respectful and organized environment. Children learn to follow behavioral principles, establish routines, and take care of their learning space. Autonomy doesn't mean a lack of structure; in fact, it’s the structure that enables children to feel secure and thrive.

3. "Free movement is the foundation of Montessori"

Myth: Free movement is sometimes seen as the central element of Montessori education.

Reality: Free movement is indeed important, but it is just one aspect of the approach. The true foundation of Montessori rests on three pillars: the prepared environment, the role of the adult, and appropriate materials. Free movement allows children to focus, be autonomous, and explore, but it always takes place within an orderly and structured environment. This helps them concentrate and respect others.

4. "A Montessori child can't adapt to a traditional education system"

Myth: People often believe that a child who has been educated through Montessori will struggle to adapt to a traditional school setting.

Reality: On the contrary, the skills children develop in Montessori, such as autonomy, curiosity, and problem-solving abilities, are highly valuable in any educational environment. A Montessori child learns to be flexible, which makes it easier for them to adapt to different teaching methods.

5. "Montessori materials are very expensive"

Myth: It's often said that Montessori materials are pricey and hard to come by.

Reality: While it's true that some Montessori materials can be expensive, there are many affordable alternatives. It’s completely possible to create materials at home using recycled items or purchase second-hand materials, for example, from sites like Vinted. What matters most is that the materials are functional and allow children to explore and learn through hands-on engagement.

Conclusion:

Montessori education is a powerful approach that offers many benefits for children. However, in order to truly understand its essence, it’s important to overcome these common myths. By providing a structured and respectful framework, Montessori allows children to grow, learn, and develop.

At Kidioma, we are committed to applying Montessori principles in our workshops, adapting English and French lessons to the needs and age of each child. If you're in Madrid and want to offer your child a fun, immersive learning experience, don’t hesitate to check out our English and French courses that combine well-being, development, and play.