Are Montessori materials Too Restrictive?
No, but some teachers might be. Remember that the key to Montessori is exploration and respect for the materials. When a child shows interest in something, they should be shown the proper way to handle the materials. However, the child will also often explore in his or her own way with them. Careful observation must be done to see if the child is exploring and gaining something from the materials or if the child is not gaining anything and either needs a new lesson or should choose something else. Often times, a child might be bored with the material and not really engaged in it. They won’t be doing it the right way – not because they are exploring, but because they are bored with it. Offering them something new or re-presenting the material is how I usually handle this. It’s not me restricting HOW they handle the material – it’s me introducing them to something more engaging. Of course, if they disrespect the material (throw pieces of it at their friends, damage it in some way, are da
