As a new-ish parent, I find myself continually considering what I hope for my child when she is a grown adult. My wishes for her include being a kind person, having a strong sense of self, finding joy in life, and the ability to think and act independently. Thankfully, I am able to offer her a Montessori education where she will be able to learn and grow with these attributes in mind, particularly the last one - independence. Each level of our Montessori classrooms offer ways for children to build their independence in a safely crafted environment with caring adults in a way that is meant specifically for the children of that age group.

Lao Tzu, a Chinese philosopher once said, “Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day. Teach them to fish and you feed them for a lifetime.” Children in a Montessori classroom environment are learning the skills and tools necessary to build independence and to do things for themselves all throughout their education. This is a big reason why I chose to become a Montessori teacher, and why my child is attending Three Tree Montessori School!

In the elementary program, independence looks bigger and different than in the Children’s House or Toddler classrooms. Children have classroom jobs and help maintain the classroom environment. They are the ones that tend the animals, water the plants, do the class laundry, clean the floors, and maintain the cleanliness of the classroom. This independence is built up through their capstone elementary year, where they remind other students about the rules, to do their job, or what should be done. Oftentimes I find myself sitting back and watching the older students reign over the classroom because they have so much experience. This, of course, is my hope for my own child - to naturally guide others with confidence.

In Upper Elementary, we embark on a week-long trip out of state, either via road trip or airplane. The children plan the menu, research activities for us to do on the trip, plan the room assignments, and cook the meals during the trip. If I had had these experiences, I think growing into adulthood would have been a bit easier for me! When I reflect on our previous trips, I think about how joy-filled the students were when they were cooking for the entire group, or when we were able to do an activity they had planned. This level of independence builds strong self-confidence in the children and allows for them to acquire necessary life skills.

Children need the opportunity to be independent both at home and at school. At home, you can have your child(ren) help out with tasks such as laundry, dishes, wiping the counters or tables, sweeping the floor, feeding pets, prepping food or meals, and any other task that you do on a daily or weekly basis (more ideas here). This is quality time with your child, they are learning how to become more independent, it builds their confidence, and you are able to get some housework done! Even if the dishes aren’t washed to your standards, your children will get better with time. Give them many opportunities to practice, along with some gentle coaching, and you will see over time that they have improved.

Helping support your child at home in doing tasks independently will reap huge rewards. They may complete tasks in their own time and to their own ability, but their competence, self-confidence, and joy will grow and it will help perpetuate further independence. This is the making of a capable, high-functioning young person who is ready to take on the world.

Written by Paige Garmendia, TTMS Upper Elementary Guide

September 2024