What Is Not Allowed in Montessori?

Montessori education is built on the principles of respect, kindness, and responsibility. The Montessori classroom is a space where children are given the freedom to explore, discover, and learn independently — but that freedom is always tempered with responsibility. So, what is not allowed in Montessori? It’s essential to understand that the boundaries in a Montessori environment are not arbitrary; they are designed to foster mutual respect, personal responsibility, and a deep sense of community.

For example, disruptive behaviors such as yelling, hitting, or being intentionally disrespectful to peers or teachers are not allowed in a Montessori classroom. However, this is not because the classroom is overly rigid or controlling. On the contrary, the Montessori method encourages peaceful conflict resolution, self-awareness, and the development of empathy for others. If a child becomes upset or frustrated, the teacher will guide them in understanding and expressing their feelings in an appropriate way.

Let’s take the story of a boy we will call Daniel, a child who is struggling with sharing a favorite toy with his classmate. In a traditional classroom, Daniel might be told, “You have to share,” and the issue might be resolved quickly, but without helping Daniel understand why sharing is important. In a Montessori classroom, Daniel’s teacher would guide him through the process of understanding his emotions and help him come up with a solution that respects both his needs and those of his classmate. This not only resolves the immediate conflict but also teaches Daniel important life skills, such as negotiation, empathy, and respect for others.

Another essential aspect of Montessori classrooms is the concept of taking care of the environment and materials. Children are responsible for cleaning up after themselves, organizing their materials, and caring for the classroom as a whole. Disrespecting the environment or not taking care of shared spaces is also not allowed. In fact, these tasks are an integral part of the Montessori curriculum, as they teach children the value of responsibility, order, and teamwork.

What is not allowed in Montessori? Anything that undermines the core values of respect, responsibility, and community. These boundaries are not restrictive; they are the framework within which children can thrive — learning to be independent, compassionate, and thoughtful members of the world.