Ask a Montessori Teacher: What Do You Do When a Child Takes a Material They Haven’t Been Presented?

 

 

 

One of the great ironies of the Montessori classroom is this:
we spend hours preparing beautiful, intentional materials—
and then we’re surprised when children are irresistibly drawn to them.

This question comes up constantly, especially at the beginning of the year:

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“What do I do when a child keeps taking a material they haven’t been presented—or is misusing it?”

The answer isn’t a script. It’s a mindset—paired with a few clear non-negotiables.

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First: This Is Normal (Especially Early in the Year)

Young children are meant to be attracted to the environment.
If a child is reaching for materials, that tells you something important:

They are curious.
They are interested.
They are ready for engagement.

The challenge isn’t stopping the behavior—it’s guiding it.

And this guidance looks different depending on your classroom.

READ MORE 

Are you needing some support with how to structure your classroom? As a Montessori teacher, I understand that feeling of overwhelm! I have created a detailed lesson plan to 'hold your hand' through each day.  These lesson plans can either be used to jump start how to create the rhythm of the classroom (monthly) or I have a full year plan that can then be used for a 3 year cycle.

Montessori Daily Lesson Plans 

Montessori INSPIRED Lesson Plans 

 

LOOKING FOR ART LESSONS FEATURING DIFFERENT ARTISTS? 

Link to my FREEBIES

 

What New Teachers Are Really Asking When They Ask About Montessori

There is a question I hear repeatedly from new teachers.

Sometimes it’s asked directly.
Sometimes it’s disguised as something else.

It sounds like:
“Am I doing this right?”
“How do I manage the classroom?”
“What if I make mistakes?”
“How much freedom is too much?”

But beneath all of those questions is a quieter one:

Can I trust the child—and can I trust myself as a guide?

When people first encounter Montessori, they often focus on the visible things: the materials, the shelves, the calm rooms, the independence of the children. What they don’t see right away is that Montessori is not primarily a method to be mastered, but a way of seeing the child.

New teachers are rarely asking for a script.
They are asking for reassurance.

They want to know whether order can exist without constant control.
They want to know whether children can be trusted with real responsibility.
They want to know what to do when things don’t look as peaceful as the photos.

These are honest questions. Necessary ones.

In my opinion, Dr. Maria Montessori did not design an approach for perfect classrooms or perfect adults. She observed real children—curious, impulsive, capable, and deeply sensitive to their environments. She understood that adults, too, are in a process of formation.

 

READ MORE ON SUBSTACK

 

Are you needing some support with how to structure your classroom? As a Montessori teacher, I understand that feeling of overwhelm! I have created a detailed lesson plan to 'hold your hand' through each day.  These lesson plans can either be used to jump start how to create the rhythm of the classroom (monthly) or I have a full year plan that can then be used for a 3 year cycle.

Montessori Daily Lesson Plans 

Montessori INSPIRED Lesson Plans 

 LOOKING FOR ART LESSONS FEATURING DIFFERENT ARTISTS? 

Link to my FREEBIES

 

chapter book review: miss Lilly is silly || Reviews done by third grade teacher Discovering the "My Weirdest School" Series: A Fun Choice for Your 2nd or 3rd Grader!

If you’re on the hunt for a hilarious book series that will tickle your child’s funny bone, look no further than My Weirdest School! Perfect for beginning readers in 2nd and 3rd grades, this series takes kids on a wild ride through the eccentric world of Ella Mentry School, where the grown-ups are as quirky as they come.

Meet the Main Characters!

The series revolves around A.J., a boy who isn’t exactly a fan of school, and his arch-enemy, Andrea Young, who loves everything about it—especially the things A.J. can't stand! This dynamic duo provides a great mix of relatable experiences for kids, whether they love or loathe school.

A Journey Through Grades

Starting with the original My Weird School series, your child will follow A.J. and his classmates as they navigate the bizarre antics of their second-grade teachers. The fun doesn’t stop there! The adventures continue in My Weird School Daze as A.J. and Andrea move into third grade, and there are even more shenanigans in My Weirder School and My Weird School Special series.

 

As a third grade teacher, I see the value of building joy and interest around reading.  I have novel studies for many books that I think your children may enjoy: CLICK HERE 

 

Why do so many young readers LOVE Cam Jansen Mysteries? Check out my Review!

When choosing books for your young reader, consider the Cam Jansen series by David A. Adler. This beloved series has been captivating children for over forty years, making it a great choice for 2nd and 3rd graders looking for engaging chapter books.

Cam Jansen follows a young girl with a remarkable photographic memory who solves mysteries alongside her friends. Each story, beginning with Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Stolen Diamonds, presents a fun and exciting puzzle that encourages critical thinking and observation skills. The stories are broken into manageable chapters, making them accessible for developing readers.

Adler's inspiration for Cam Jansen came during a pivotal time in his life—after the birth of his first son. His experience as a father and teacher shines through in Cam's adventures, making the series relatable and engaging for children.

As children’s interests continue to evolve, the Cam Jansen series stands out for its ability to capture attention and stimulate curiosity. 

 

Read more about the author of the Cam Jansen series: CLICK HERE 

As a third grade teacher, I see the value of building joy and interest around reading.  I have novel studies for many books that I think your children may enjoy: CLICK HERE 

 

what should my third grader be reading: a review of the book bad guys

 

Looking for a fun and engaging book series for your 2nd or 3rd grader? Check out The Bad Guys graphic novel series by Aaron Blabey, featuring a lovable group of misfits: Mr. Wolf, Mr. Piranha, Mr. Snake, and Mr. Shark.

This series is perfect for young readers, offering a mix of humor and adventure that will keep them entertained. Whether they’re facing off against a chainsaw monster or trying to outsmart Dr. Marmalade and his mischievous meowing creatures, these quirky characters will capture your child's imagination and encourage even reluctant readers to dive into the story.

If your child is new to the series, start with Bad Guys #1: The Bad Guys. In this hilarious introduction, your young reader will join Mr. Wolf and his friends as they hatch a plan to break 200 dogs out of a city dog pound. With its exciting plots and vibrant illustrations, this book is sure to make reading a delightful experience for your family!

As a third grade teacher, I see the value of building joy and interest around reading.  I have novel studies for many books that I think your children may enjoy: CLICK HERE 

 

 

ask a Montessori teacher #montessori #lessonplan

Are you needing some support with how to structure your classroom?As a Montessori teacher, I understand that feeling of overwhelm! I have created a detailed lesson plan to 'hold your hand' through each day.  These lesson plans can either be used to jump start how to create the rhythm of the classroom (monthly) or I have a full year plan that can then be used for a 3 year cycle.

Montessori Daily Lesson Plans 

Montessori INSPIRED Lesson Plans 

 

encyclopedia brown mysteries The case of the ambushed cowboy a 10 minute...

 

How do you feel about reading? 

As a third grade teacher, I see the value of building joy and interest around reading.  I have novel studies for many books that I think your children may enjoy: CLICK HERE