Role of an Adult- Montessori Environment

The role of an adult in a     Montessori Environment. 


‘Young children should be our greatest collaborators. To help them acquire all the knowledge they need to act independently, we must partner with them.’

- Maria Montessori 


As adults in a Montessori environment it is our role to be present in the child’s life, physically, mentally, and emotionally to aid in their development.


Adults/teachers must practice to become passive when the child is at a moment of discovery, and active in a moment of true need. They must be able to tell the difference. 


The adult must be a model, in which the child can positively imitate, and guide the child through their learning, but leaving the child free to develop their own will, independence and ability to make their own choices and decisions. The adult in a Montessori environment must strive to be a consistent, stable entity in the child’s life; this will provide the child with a sense of security, routine and love.


What does the roles of an adult look like on a Montessori prepared environment? 


In terms of working materials, the adult must first Prepare the environment- catering to the ever changing developmental needs of the children. 

Secondly link the child to the environment- staring with a short demonstration modelling how to use a particular material and then allowing the child to actively conduct their purposeful work. 

And thirdly observe the child as they use these Montessori materials, taking in mental notes of their developmental stages while also being present and available to assist the child if required by the child. Throughout the child’s purpose work in the classroom, the adult should be monitoring the child and reciting the child’s progress and achievements. These observations are important to continue to provide more development appropriate and challenging materials to the child as they progress and grow. 


When it comes to spiritual attributes, the adult in the Montessori setting should always have faith in the children’s potential regardless of age or expectations. Adults must strive to show self awareness, acceptance and humility when working with children and others. Creating a inclusive, respectful and professional environment. 


How can adults be strong role models in the Montessori environment? 


Strong role modelling is so important in any circumstances with children, as children are significantly influenced by adults interactions and behaviours. 


Adults can show strong role modelling in the Montessori environment though their movements, careful handling of materials and furniture. 

Keeping the environment clean and orderly.

Using appropriate language and effective community strategies. 

Using positive discipline and respect in conflict resolutions. 

And promote self awareness through keeping a clean and tidy appearance and demonstrating a positive attitude though interactions. 


How can the adult put this into practice in the Montessori classroom? 


Through interactions and observations with children adults can identify what is needed for each individual child. 

For example, the adult might notice a three year old child very interested in spatial awareness. The adult observes the child as they start placing many sea shells into a small cup and taking them out again, discovering how many will fit into that particular space. The adult can build on this activity by offering more containers and cups of different sizes/scope and a variety of different nature materials such as more shells, pine cones and rocks. Keeping to the child’s particular interests at that time. 

The adult can model to the child how to use these materials in a quick demonstration and then allow the child to continue in their purposeful work and to gain knowledge through this containment schema. 

Adults can continue to observe and take down observations of the child to ensure the materials and work is appropriate and suited to the child’s development, offering help and interactions when needed and being the child’s confident guide. 


To fully see and understand Maria Montessori’s vision for education and care for young children we must adjust our mind sets to  believe that Young children should be our greatest collaborators. To help them acquire all the knowledge they need to act independently, we must partner with them. Adults must strive to be a supportive guide while giving the child space to grow into their intrinsic selves though their own work and experiences. 






  • observation, three years old participating in his purposeful work and concentrative active learning. 






- Alexandra Ramsbotham, AMI 

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