Reality Vs. Fantasy
Alison Petersen • October 25, 2024

Reality in the Montessori Classroom

Many parents have noticed that Montessori schools discourage the use of creativity, fantasy and imagination. This is an unfortunate and inaccurate generalization of what Dr. Maria Montessori was actually teaching. Dr. Montessori did not discourage children from engaging in make believe play. During her observations, she saw that children under the age of six preferred "real" over "fantasy" when given the choice. She observes, time after time, that children of this age chose activities such as cleaning, cooking and other practical life activities of fantasy play. 


A Montessori Perspective: Reality vs. Fantasy


As Montessorians, we recognize that very young children have a difficult time distinguishing between reality and fantasy, and that blending the two can be confusing. Based on Dr. Montessori's observations, we also know that children in the first plane of development (age birth to six) prefer reality to fantasy. Children are fascinated with the natural world. There is no need to tell a child about unicorns when they are so interested in horses, other animals, plants, and insects. At their age, the real world provides much inspiration and learning for their young minds.


In a Montessori classroom, you will see children preparing snacks and meals with the appropriate kitchen tools opposed to playing in a toy kitchen. Rather than listening to a story with talking animals, they would be presented with stories about real animals or people. This helps the child become independent and capable in the real world around them.


Imagination in the First Plane of Development


Imagination is a natural and normal part of development. However, children in the first plane of development are exploring the real world with their senses and interacting with their environment. Their brains are busy categorizing and finding order in the world. Because of this, it's more developmentally appropriate to give our youngest students real and authentic opportunities. Once they've developed a sense of the real world, usually around the age of six, their their imagination starts to take off.


Imagination in the Second Plane of Development


Dr. Maria Montessori noticed that around the time when a child turns six, there is a unique shift in their way of thinking. She deemed this next stage in the child's life the "second plane of development." During this stage, children are able to distinguish reality from fantasy and have a desire to use their imagination. This plane of development continues to approximately age 12. Dr. Montessori noticed that children are motivated to learn using their imagination during this plane, so in the spirit of following the child, Montessori encouraged children to explore their imaginations by using abstract thought.


For example, during the second plane of development, a guide might share a history lesson and ask the child to imagine themselves in a similar situation. Writing elaborate stories is a common activity at this age. This helps to develop the child's imagination, usually allowing them to find their own place in society through their thoughts and ideas.





summer

Summer Activities for Montessori Children

By Alison Petersen • June 12, 2025
As parents of Montessori students, it is important to find the balance between the freedom and bliss of summer without losing the routines and knowledge for which you and your child worked so hard during the school year. The following are a few suggestions from the educators at Pincushion Hill Montessori School. Schedules: We encourage you to ease up on your children’s schedules and routines during the summer months. Bedtimes and waking times can be moved around so you can enjoy the relaxation offered by the summer months. We do encourage you to start easing back into your school year schedule a few weeks before school starts up again in the fall. Journaling: Help your children select a blank book or journal. Encourage them to record something in this book every day during the summer. This helps with literacy skills and creative writing. It also has the potential to serve as a keepsake your children will cherish for years to come. As summer sets in and siblings begin to squabble, redirecting your Montessori children toward journaling their feelings can also aid with conflict resolution. A summer journal can become an annual tradition for your family. Family Visits: It’s great family bonding time exploring local resources and places of interest. Historic homes, farms, zoos, walking trails and many other interesting opportunities that are close to home can be fun and educational adventures. Take small field trips throughout the summer and include your child in the planning. Around the House: Include your children in your daily household activities. If they aren’t doing so already, summer is the perfect time to encourage their assistance with planning meals for the week, grocery shopping, and meal preparation. Gardening: Tending to (or starting) a family garden at your home is a great idea. This will continue the education they receive at TMA, yield delicious rewards, and encourage growth in the craft of sustainability. Cooking: Involve your child in home cooking ingredients and recipes. This will foster learning, and make them more independent in years to come. Reading: Start a family book club by suggesting one or two book titles that they have not read. If some members of your family too young to read, end every evening by taking turns reading a book aloud. The anticipation of knowing what will happen next will keep everyone coming back for more. Family Games: Put together a scavenger hunt for your children. This can be a great option for a rainy day, but on a sunny day you can include biology and botany related clues outdoors. The hunt can be fun and educational in origin, testing your children’s knowledge or research skills. Ask: For specific academic skills that may need work or refreshing over the summer, do not hesitate to ask your child’s Montessori teacher, or your child himself. Identify what could be practiced, and create an easy routine that makes practice time enjoyable and fun. Pincushion Hill Montessori School is a school that enriches and educates children using the Montessori Method focused on academic subjects like math, language, science, sensorial and practical life. The private, year-round school was founded in 1962 and accepts children from 18 months old up to six years old. Students at the school are exposed to Montessori-style teaching approaches, including individual learning according to each child’s style and pace, multi-age classrooms that allow children to advance when they are ready, and a nurturing of students’ natural curiosity. 

Why Is a Parent School Partnership So Important in Montessori?

By Alison Petersen • April 24, 2025
Montessori education is not just about the classroom; it extends to the home environment and relies heavily on collaboration between parents and teachers to create a harmonious and effective learning experience for the child. Here are several reasons why a parent-school partnership is so important in Montessori education: Consistency in Approach One of the fundamental principles of Montessori education is consistency in the approach to child development. When parents and teachers work together, they can ensure that the child receives consistent guidance, expectations, and values both at home and in the classroom. This consistency promotes a sense of security and stability for the child, making it easier for them to adapt to the Montessori method. Understanding and Support Parents who are actively involved in their child's Montessori education gain a deeper understanding of the method and its principles. This understanding enables them to provide better support at home, reinforcing the concepts and values learned in the classroom. When parents and teachers share a common understanding of the child's development, they can work together to address any challenges or specific needs that may arise. Reinforcing Independence Montessori education places a strong emphasis on fostering independence in children. When parents and teachers collaborate, they can reinforce this independence by encouraging the child to take ownership of their learning and daily routines. Parents can create a Montessori-friendly environment at home, while teachers can provide guidance on age-appropriate tasks and activities. Individualized Learning Montessori classrooms prioritize individualized learning experiences tailored to each child's unique needs and interests. When parents are actively involved, they can provide valuable insights into their child's personality, learning style, and preferences. This information helps teachers design personalized learning plans that maximize the child's potential. Extended Learning Opportunities Learning doesn't stop when the child leaves the classroom. Parents can continue the Montessori experience at home by engagning in activities that align with Montessori principles. This extension of learning beyond school hours enhances the child's educational journey and reinforces the importance of learning as a lifelong endeavor. Children thrive when home and school work in harmony!