Let’s Rethink Education: A Montessori Parent’s Perspective

by:Kianí Richardson, Math & Education Major, MACTE Montesori Teacher Let’s Rethink Education: A Montessori Parent’s Perspective

From my college years, I’ve had the privilege of working as an educator with students of all ages. In traditional education, I taught math to high schoolers and adults. Later, I transitioned to Montessori education, where I’ve worked as a preschool and kindergarten teacher. Each experience has given me unique insights into how people learn, grow, and thrive at every stage of life.

Teenagers and Adults: Big Dreamers with Big Potential

When I was teaching high schoolers and adults, I was amazed by their drive and creativity. Teenagers, especially, have such bold ideas and an intense determination to follow through. They’re ready—body, mind, and spirit—to make a real impact on the world.

Adults, on the other hand, bring their life experiences into the classroom. They’re focused and driven, often juggling education with family or work responsibilities. Teaching both groups taught me that learning is lifelong, and it’s never too late to grow or chase your dreams.

For teenagers, parents often worried about academics and their child’s future, but their biggest concerns were about behavior and emotional well-being. They wanted to know if their teens were making good decisions, staying emotionally balanced, and becoming independent. Adults, meanwhile, worked hard to balance their busy lives while pursuing their goals.

Little Ones: Where It All Begins

Later, as a Montessori casa de niños teacher, I entered a whole new world of education. Parents of younger children had different worries—like whether their child was learning to read “on time” or keeping up with math. The focus on memorization and early academics was often a significant concern for many parents.

Montessori, however, takes a different approach. Instead of focusing on grades or rote learning, we focus on joy, curiosity, and the process of discovery. Maria Montessori believed that “play is the work of the child,” and I see that truth every day in the classroom.

Here’s the thing: Memorization is important, but it’s not everything. Why rush children into cramming facts when we could focus on helping them build friendships, explore their world, and enjoy being children?

The Importance of Socializing

Socializing is important at every stage of life, but learning how to socialize in the early years is the foundation for the rest of a child’s life. Early childhood is where children begin to form their first connections, resolve conflicts, and learn to work together as a team. These skills are necessary and important, as they teach children how to interact respectfully, navigate differences, and build relationships throughout their lives.

In a Montessori classroom, children learn through collaboration, sharing, and problem-solving with peers. These early experiences are critical in helping them develop empathy, communication skills, and emotional intelligence—all of which are essential for success, both academically and socially.

Let Children Be Children

Children need time to play, explore, and learn naturally. Memorization has its place—it’s an important skill, and children are naturally good at it when the time is right. But it should come through joy and curiosity, not stress or pressure.

As parents, we’re our children’s first and most important teachers. They learn from how we model kindness, grace, and patience. Academic skills will come, but what matters most is helping them grow into confident, happy individuals who love learning and life.

It Takes a Village

Raising a child isn’t something anyone can do alone. It truly takes a village—parents, teachers, friends, and community—all working together to create an environment where children thrive emotionally, socially, and academically.

So, let’s ask ourselves: What kind of future do we want for our children? Do we want them to only remember facts, or do we want them to grow into kind, independent, and resilient people?

Let’s create a world where children can dream big, learn with joy, and feel truly supported. Together, we can help them become their best selves, one step at a time.

What do you think is most important for your child’s growth? Let’s keep this conversation going—because parenting and learning are journeys we take together.