Unstructured play in a curated, prepared environment gives children the opportunity to “develop what psychologists call an internal locus of control,” Gray explains, “which is an internal sense that I’m competent to take charge of my life. Something can happen to me, and it’s not a disaster. I can take care of it.”
We as parents can help pave the path our children will walk down, but we can’t control the way they maneuver that path. They may barrel down the road or cautiously avoid some of the stones we hoped they would fully embrace. They may decide to not even take our path at all, choosing instead to tromp out into the unknown with no clear destination. Either way, the path ahead offers them endless opportunities to display and reveal their colorful personalities to the world.
Ultimately, fostering independence is about more than just practical skills—it’s about cultivating a mindset. By setting up our homes to support autonomy, setting clear expectations, and thoughtfully guiding our children through challenges, we lay the groundwork for a lifetime of self-reliance and resilience.
A parent’s, school’s, and society’s job then is to create environments filled with opportunities, experiences, and guidance that harness that curiosity and drive toward independence at each developmental stage (or “developmental plane” as it’s referred to in Montessori parlance).
Join Sam Shapiro and Dr. Alex Curtis in a critical exploration of artificial intelligence in education.
When we learn to accept, we offer a priceless gift. After all, our children yearn for our love and elated acceptance. Can we give them this? Even just a single sincere moment can last a lifetime.
Join Marin Montessori’s Terry Dubow and Bill Sneed who reflects on a captivating snow science trip that epitomizes Montessori philosophy in action.
Join Sam Shapiro, head of school at Marin Montessori School, and special guest Anahad O’Connor, a Washington Post health columnist and award-winning author, as they explore the intersection of nutrition, sleep, and overall well-being for our youngest generation.
Remember the days when “I’m sorry” seemed to magically mend any mishap? Turns out, conflict resolution is more complex, especially for the younger crowd.
Explore the dynamic intersection of artificial intelligence and education with Sam Shapiro and Noah Orgish who discuss the evolving role of AI in the classroom, highlighting the importance of critical thinking and creative teaching strategies.
