CATHOLIC MONTESSORI EDUCATION FREES THE CHILD

Dr. Montessori advocates for the Prepared Environment precisely because it allows the child to develop in the ways that his nature intended. In all authentic Montessori classrooms, the child is free to choose work based on his developmental needs and to learn to the best of his natural ability. In secular Montessori schools, there is freedom, but Dr. Montessori states that there is a difference between freedom for the humanity of the child AND freedom for the Divine Life found within the child. One has precedent over the other because it is the truest form of the child’s nature. She teaches us that “the educator should, therefore, ascertain most minutely what are the circumstances and conditions-inside and outside of the child-most favorable to the opening up of the child’s soul to supernatural influences, to the vigorous and lasting co-operation with the grace of God… A deeper respect for the nature of the child in his education in the supernatural life will produce greater success” (The Child in the Church). The child flourishes in each Montessori classroom that respects their freedom…but when their freedom is viewed as solely a humanistic freedom, it falls short of the real form of education Dr. Montessori intended. The child MUST be free to develop ALL of his physical and psychic powers, the most important being his relationship with his Creator, as this freedom animates all others. In a Catholic Montessori environment, and most specifically in the Atrium of the Good Shepherd, the child is able to continue his love for God in a way that is entirely his own.

Written by: Maggie Clement

Next Week: Catholic Montessori Education Forms the Adult