Heather Armstrong

October 23, 2015

Montessori Learning and the Autonomous Child

Montessori education emphasizes independence, freedom within limits, and respect for a child's natural psychological, social, and physical development in context to their environment. I worked with kids ages four to seven and learned how Montessori education works at a fundamental level through observation and practice. Given my experience I argue that Montessori education provides children with a stronger moral core than public school systems can provide. Montessori education connects lessons to a child’s contextual world. Developing independence and taking responsibility for their actions is the core of autonomous learning and self-development that these children partake in. The skills they develop allow them to begin to take charge of their own learning. This paper provokes an up-close and personal look at the values a Montessori education enforces. I will analyze Montessori goals and lessons taught both in the classroom and in life as well as the tenants of Montessori educational practices.