Is There a Montessori Way to Balance Screen Time and Exploration?

image in article Is There a Montessori Way to Balance Screen Time and Exploration? In today’s world, screens are everywhere! From tablets to computers, children are growing up surrounded by technology. But in Montessori #classrooms, we know that hands-on exploration, real objects, and time in nature are the heart of learning. So how can we balance screen time with all the fun, active learning Montessori encourages? The good news is—it’s possible!

The key is mindful and intentional use of technology. Screens should not replace real-life experiences; instead, they can enhance learning when used carefully. For example, short, interactive activities that spark curiosity, videos that introduce a new #culture, or digital tools that guide a science experiment can all complement hands-on exploration.

One way Montessori #educators can feel confident about integrating technology is through professional #development. The course Using AI Language Models for Trainers, approved by the American Montessori Society (AMS) for continuing professional development hours, is a perfect example. In this course, participants learn the basics of AI—concepts like Completion, Attention, and Context Length—and discover how AI can help create engaging, personalized training sessions for #early-childhood-educators. Teachers explore hands-on experiments and simulations to see how AI tools can enhance learning, making training easier, more efficient, and more fun.

By learning how to use AI in training, educators can also bring technology into the classroom in smart ways. This means using digital tools to support lessons, plan creative activities, or introduce new ideas—all without replacing the joy of real-world exploration. Children still get to touch, sort, build, and create, while technology becomes a helpful assistant rather than a distraction.

Here are some simple, Montessori-friendly ways to balance screens and exploration:

Set clear limits: Use screens for short, purposeful activities.
Combine screen and hands-on learning: Watch a short video about leaves, then go outside to collect and sort them.
Encourage creativity: Let children draw, build, or create after screen-based inspiration.
Reflect together: Ask children what they learned and how it relates to real life.

September is a great time to introduce these ideas because children are settling into routines, curious about the world, and ready to explore. By blending hands-on Montessori learning with carefully chosen technology, #teachers can help children develop focus, curiosity, and independence—all while having fun!

So yes, there is a Montessori way to balance screen time and exploration. With mindful use, thoughtful planning, and resources like the Using AI Language Models for Trainers course from ChildCareEd, technology can enhance learning without taking away the joy of discovery.

In the end, it’s all about balance: letting children enjoy the real world, explore their senses, and still use smart tools that make learning exciting.

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