Is a Montessori classroom unstructured?
A Montessori classroom is one of the most structured learning environments. The classroom operates on a balance between the freedoms, or choices, offered to the student and the student’s self-discipline. There is a place and order for all materials. The child is only allowed to work with materials on which she/he has been given a lesson. Everything, except the child’s time, is structured. She/he may work with any piece of material for as long as she likes. This helps develop concentration in the child when she is not constantly interrupted by the adult to change activities. We trust the child knows when she is finished with work and is ready to put it away. This develops a sense of accomplishment in the child and a pride in work that is completed.
