The 5 Core Montessori Principles Providers Can Use Today - post

1) How do I show #respect for the child in real, daily moments?

In Montessori, respect is not just being “nice.” It means we treat children like real people with thoughts, feelings, and needs. We speak calmly, we listen, and we protect a child’s dignity. 

Try these #respectful habits today:

• Get down to the child’s eye level before giving directions.

• Use a kind, clear voice (not loud or angry).

• Say what you see instead of judging:

• “You look upset,” instead of “Stop crying.” 

• Give a short reason for the rules: 

• “We walk inside to keep bodies #safe.”

• Ask for cooperation: 

• “Please bring your cup to the sink.” 

A helpful #free visual you can print and post is the Core Montessori Principles Poster

Sprinkle respect into routines and you will often see fewer power struggles.  

2) What is a “prepared environment,” and what can I change today?

A prepared environment is a space set up so children can do more by themselves. It is organized, calm, and made for children’s size and skills. When the room is prepared well, children can choose work, clean up, and move #safely with less adult control. 

Quick changes you can make this week:

• Put #materials on low, open shelves so children can reach them.

• Limit choices (too many toys can cause chaos). Rotate items instead.

• Label shelves with pictures and words for easy clean-up.

• Create clear areas (reading corner, blocks area, art area).

• Add real-life tools children can use safely (small broom, child-size sponge).

A great course for this principle is: The Prepared Environment: Montessori Class Design

3) How do I give children #freedom while still keeping rules?

Montessori is not “anything goes.” It is freedom within limits. Children get choices, but the adult keeps clear boundaries for #safety and respect. 

Try these “freedom within limits” tools:

• Offer two good choices:

• “Do you want crayons or markers?”

• Use simple work rules:

• Use a quiet voice.

• Use walking feet.

• Put work back where it belongs.

• Teach children what to do, not only what not to do:

• “Hands stay on your own body,” instead of “Don’t hit.”

• Practice the rule during calm times (not only during conflict).

Freedom grows when children know what the limits are. This helps the room feel peaceful and fair. 

A course that supports this balance is:
Intro to Montessori: Philosophy, Principles, and Practices

4) How do I build independence without making the day slower?

Independence is a core Montessori goal. It does not mean children do everything alone. It means we give children safe chances to try, practice, and improve. 

Start small with “I can do it” moments:

• Arrival

• Child hangs up backpack. 

• Child puts folder in a basket. 

• Meals

• Child serves with a small spoon.

• Child wipes their place with a cloth.

• Cleanup

• Child puts work back on the shelf.

• Child sorts items into labeled bins.

Helpful adult habits:

• Slow down your body (moving fast makes children rush or #freeze).

• Wait 5 seconds before stepping in—children often solve it!

• Show one step at a time (too many directions can confuse).

• Accept “not perfect.” Practice is the point.

If you want support teaching independence across ages, this course connects well: Montessori Assistant Training

5) How does observation help me teach the Montessori way?

Montessori #teachers are careful observers. Observation helps you understand what a child is working on, what they need next, and what to change in the environment. 

You do not need fancy forms to begin. Try a simple observation routine:

• Watch for 2–3 minutes without interrupting.

• Write down:

• What the child chose

• How long they stayed with it

• What was hard

• What helped

• Ask yourself:

• “Is this work too easy, too hard, or just right?”

• “Do they need a lesson, a new material, or more time?”

• “Does the room setup make this harder?”

A course that supports understanding children and their #development (and how Montessori fits) is: Understanding Montessori’s Approach to Child Development

What is one simple Montessori #plan I can try this week?

Here is an easy 5-day starter plan:

• Day 1: Add labels to one shelf and teach clean-up.

• Day 2: Offer two-choice #language during transitions.

• Day 3: Teach one independence skill (pouring water, wiping a table, rolling a mat).

• Day 4: Do 3 minutes of observation on two children.

• Day 5: Adjust one part of the environment based on what you saw.

Small steps add up fast.

For more Montessori environment ideas, you may also like this ChildCareEd article: Creating the Montessori Prepared Environment: A Cornerstone of Learning

Where can I get more Montessori tips and support?

Follow ChildCareEd on Instagram for training updates and practical ideas you can use in real classrooms:
https://www.instagram.com/childcareed/

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