As a Montessorian and educational psychologist, I have always expressed my appreciation and belief in the Montessori philosophy of education. The mixed-age classrooms, hands-on learning, and uninterrupted work cycles are unique hallmarks of a Montessori program, in which research in education and psychology are constantly proving beneficial to children’s learning. But upon reflection, I know there are also other educational programs that focus on experiential learning and advocate for children to be in the flow to advance student learning. So, it pushed me to think of the relevance of the Montessori program in the 21st century. Little did I know that the most profound answer would unfold in one of my classroom visits and observation in a lower elementary classroom.

I quietly find my way to a spot in the classroom that will allow me to see everyone and once again be fascinated by the children working and learning using their specially designed Montessori learning materials. As expected, the older students were fully engaged in their grammar lesson as the teacher struck their imagination with a story of their favorite pet and guided them to build sentences using their knowledge and understanding of the Montessori grammar symbols. 

For a Montessorian like me, my heart was filled with pride knowing that the Montessori materials have once again worked their magic in naturally presenting abstract ideas in concrete forms to the children, which greatly matters in their developing brains. 

While fascinated by how the children pursued learning, I felt a tiny hand tapping my shoulder (the Montessori way of asking someone for his attention). When I turned around, an enthusiastic voice invited me to join them for a snack. The younger children kindly prepared a plate with some fruit and bread, together with a glass of water, for me to enjoy with them. At that moment, I was overjoyed to experience in action one of the key lessons of our program, grace and courtesy! And this happened without any prompting from their teacher as she was with the older students. 

I can confidently say our Montessori teachers and Montessori program are making a difference in this world! We are relevant in the 21st century! Such a valued moment is a product of a community of Montessorians who introduced and consistently modeled grace and courtesy from early years (Toddlers & EC) to elementary years and living the mission of Dr. Maria Montessori in educating the children not for school but for life. Montessori, indeed, is a way of life!

“The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind.” – Maria Montessori, Education and Peace