The task of education, according to Dr. Montessori, is to help children become the people of their time and place, of their society. People who can participate in the rich tapestry in life and lead meaningful lives. And what happens at home is just as much “education” as what happens at school. From the very beginning of life children absorb knowledge from their environment. We know that children learn best not by instruction, but by observation and experience; by having role models who show them the way and guide them along. Or put another way, actions speak louder than words.

Have you ever watched a toddler trying to button their coat – even when it takes them several minutes, and every ounce of patience you have? It can be so tempting to jump in and do it for them. But what if those slow, clumsy movements are exactly what they need to grow? Maria Montessori taught that children don’t just want to play life, they want to live it. They want to do real things with real purpose: pour water, sweep the floor, carry their own bag. These aren’t distractions or chores. They’re opportunities.

Busy Hands-Busy Minds

Children thrive when they are allowed to act with meaning. Montessori called it “spontaneous activity.” That’s when a child chooses to do something purposeful, like watering a plant, putting the rubbish in the bin, or peeling a mandarin. To us, these may seem insignificant, but to a small child, they are everything.

They say, “I am a part of this family, I contribute, I belong, I am capable!” Such moments help build coordination, concentration, confidence, and above all, they bring great joy and satisfaction. The satisfaction of doing something “by myself.”

An Environment that Enables

When we offer tools that fit – a child-sized broom, a jug that’s just right for pouring – we send a clear message: “You are capable. “Yes, spills happen. Buttons get missed. But over time, children learn. And even more importantly, they build a strong sense of self-worth. Montessori often reminds us: freedom doesn’t mean letting children run wild. It means allowing them the freedom to choose purposeful work within clear, respectful boundaries. It’s the kind of freedom that comes with responsibility, that supports both independence and a sense of community.

“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” Chinese Proverb