Montessori is sometimes described as either being “too free” or “too structured“. What is the truth?

Montessori saw freedom as the single most important factor in allowing children to develop as spontaneous, creative individuals. She saw the role of education as providing environments in which the children could be set free to follow their natural impulses – to become the wonderfully dynamic, natural learners they were designed to be.

Montessori education, when done well, is a beautiful blend and perfect balance of freedom and structure. One of the secrets to success in the Montessori classroom is freedom within the limits of very clear ground rules. It is on that foundation of freedom and structure that the child builds discipline.