FREEDOM IN THE PREPARED ENVIRONMENT

There is the misconception that children in the Montessori environment are free to do whatever they like.

How true is this?

Freedom does not mean that children can do whatever they like.  Rather, children are encouraged to think independently and act as a member of a social group. 

Children in the Montessori classroom are given different types of freedom, the freedom to; move in and outside the classroom, engage in purposeful work without interruption, socialize, make decisions, etc.

Montessori classroom is so calm and peaceful despite the fact that children have so much freedom.

Why is this possible?

The structured Montessori classroom provides freedom within clear limits.  It gives children a great deal of flexibility to make their own choices about the kind of work to engage in, and whether to do it in a group or individually.

A child need freedom within limit

Maria Montessori

What is freedom within limits?

The child is an explorer who grows and develops by doing things for himself. His freedom is limited by him respecting the environment, others, materials, and himself. The limits we are talking about are the ground rules in the Montessori classrooms. Once children know the limits, they follow the rules. 

As adults, we are free to decide how to spend our time, but also have the responsibility of supporting ourselves and we have to take action to figure out how to reach the goals we decide to pursue. We are also not free to do anything we want, there are limits; for example, we have to be respectful of other people and the environment.

It is the same thing with children, we need to give children the freedom to explore, they can’t be forced to learn, they have to want to learn. That means children have to be let free to choose if we want their process of learning to be self-motivated. Just like in adult lives, freedom comes together with responsibility and limit. For instance, in the classroom, we give children the freedom to explore any of the materials that they have been shown how to use.

However, it is their responsibility to care for the materials and the environment. For instance, if a child is hurling materials around that are meant to be used gently, that child has shown he/she is not ready for the level of freedom. He/She will not be allowed to use those materials until he/she is ready to treat them with respect.

Children are given freedom if and when they earn it, by living up to the responsibility that goes hand in hand with that freedom.

Grant children freedom only when they have learned how to do things, and keep to the rules. Dr. Maria Montessori postulated this when she said;

To let a child do as he likes when he has not yet developed any power of control is to betray the idea of freedom. 

Maria Montessori

The freedom given to children will enable them to reveal themselves, know their capabilities and shortcomings, and they will also know or be able to determine what gives them satisfaction. The limits teach children how to become independent and confident learners who respect the rules of their freedom. An atmosphere of freedom is essential in a prepared environment where an inner guide directs children’s growth to fully develop and unfold their unique potentials.

How can we help?

As parents, provide your children with the freedom to choose whenever possible. Allow your children to make genuine choices. For instance, you may ask your child, if he wants to play outside or watch television; if he wants to wear his blue cap or his red one; ask him to choose the one he prefers. This way he feels he has some control. Making choices is an important part of growing up. It is only in an environment where children are allowed to act freely, that they will acquire self-discipline, self-control, independence, etc, which will allow them to grow with the responsibility of their actions.

As teachers, allow freedom of choice in the classroom. As children make their choices, they discover their needs, interests, and abilities.

Only through freedom and environmental experience is it practically possible for human development to occur.

Maria Montessori

Prepare the environment!

Set ground rule!

Allow freedom!