Freedom... AND Responsibility

Dr. Montessori tells us that freedom is essential to a child's development. It makes it possible for a child to realize him or herself.

 

Freedom does not mean a license. Instead, it is gradually aligned with the concept of responsibility and granted to a child in the Montessori classroom as the child shows them they can handle it. The adult helps the child exercise their reason and will in this process.

 

It is a fact that if we are given freedom, we can choose for good or choose for bad. This is why the child is granted freedom with a limit of responsibility. Children learn they are responsible for the environment, materials, society, and each other. They learn that they are responsible for their behavior. Ultimately, they are responsible for structuring their own time management to accomplish their freely chosen work. The child is free to choose but must make their choice to a conclusion.

 

In elementary, the child must work. They are free to choose according to their interests. Interest comes about through a variety of compelling lessons in all subject matters. Workgroups with common interests are formed. A society ensues.

 

Responsibility is ensured by using the public school curriculum to guide what society expects children to know at each age level. In addition, it is ensured by children recording their work in special journals that keep track of the type of work they are doing and how long they are spending on it. The child and teacher then review the journals at regular intervals.

 

Through this careful balance of freedom and responsibility, the child becomes a happy, engaged, and independent learner.

 

–Mrs. Stone