Can a Montessori Teacher Have Work–Life Balance?

 

Can a Montessori teacher actually have work–life balance?

I’m Robin Norgren — a Montessori teacher (and a mom of three grown kids) working in a startup/launch school here in Arizona. Teaching is meaningful… and also intense.

In this new series, I’m documenting my real-life attempt to get back into alignment: life outside the classroom, creative time again, and better systems for stress + health. In today’s episode (February 2, 2026), I take a personal day for a dentist appointment and a doctor’s appointment — and instead of collapsing on the couch, I try to use the day well: a quick reselling run (Goodwill Outlet), a creative project I’ve been avoiding, and a reminder that my body is giving me important signals. If you’re a teacher trying to find your way back to yourself, I hope you’ll join me on this journey. 🤍

Mentioned in this video:

📚 The Wedding People (Allison Espach)

 📚 Mercy Watson series (Kate DiCamillo) 👗

 Reselling: eBay + Poshmark

Question for you: What’s one small boundary that helped you protect your life outside teaching?

#montessori #teachervlog #teacherlife #worklifebalance #dayinthelife

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

Ask a Montessori Teacher: Fantasy Play in the Classroom — When to Allow It, Redirect It, or Redesign for It

 

This is one of those questions that always sparks strong opinions:

“How do you stop fantasy play in the Montessori classroom?”

And my honest answer is this:
I don’t believe the goal is to stop fantasy play.

The real work is understanding why it’s showing up, how your school approaches it, and what the children are actually asking for through their behavior.

---

First, Let Me Say This Clearly

I don’t mind fantasy play.
I don’t mind imaginative play.
I don’t even mind having elements of dress-up in a classroom.

And yes—that means I’ve had to widen my own understanding of what Montessori looks like in real classrooms, with real children.

That said, I’ve also worked in environments where:

• No fantasy characters were allowed

• No backpacks with comics or superheroes

• No imaginative materials of any kind

So before we go any further, here’s the truth:
this conversation depends heavily on your school culture.

---

Why Fantasy Play Shows Up in Montessori Classrooms

Fantasy play often emerges because:

• Children are deeply imaginative (as they should be)

• Materials are beautiful and suggestive

• Certain works invite symbolic interpretation

Let’s be honest—
those red rods look exactly like swords.

 

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

 

 

 

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:

Thanks for reading A Montessori Way of Seeing! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

“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.

---

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