In Montessori education, work holds a deeper meaning than what we often associate with adult life. Rather than a task to complete or a means to an end, work for the child is a natural expression of growth. It is how they explore, adapt, and ultimately construct themselves, physically, emotionally, and intellectually.
In this Montessori Moment we’re reflecting on how children experience work with joy, curiosity, and purpose. Whether it’s pouring water, solving a math problem, or contributing to the community, their work is guided by an internal drive, and supported by a prepared environment that respects their need for time, movement, repetition and choice.
We invite you to explore three thought-provoking pieces that expand on this theme: Bart Theriot on the child’s joyful relationship with work, Maren Schmidt on the power of the uninterrupted three-hour work cycle, an article on ‘Normalisation’ as it relates to the 3-6 year old, and my lecture notes from my AMI 12-18 Diploma on the evolving nature of work from childhood to adolescence. Together, they reveal how Montessori honours the work of becoming.
- The Montessori Difference: Work
- Understanding the 3-hour Work Cycle
- Normalisation
- Work as a Developmental Principle
Chris
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