Obedience (Montessori)

by 01 Aug 2023Glossary

Obedience (Montessori)

In Montessori education, Obedience is viewed as an act of will that develops gradually, manifesting itself “unexpectedly at the end of a long process of maturation.”[1] During this developmental process, young children may show sporadic instances of obedience, but they may not be able to consistently demonstrate obedience. As children’s will develops through the exercise of free choice, they start to acquire the self-discipline or self-control necessary for obedience.

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Montessori Quotes

  • “The first essential for the child’s development is concentration. The child who concentrates is immensely happy.”[2]
  • “The child’s development follows a path of successive stages of independence, and our knowledge of this must guide us in our behaviour towards him. We have to help the child to act, will and think for himself.”[3]