Role of the Guide

"An adult can shape the environment, but it is the child that perfects his own being." 

-Dr. Maria Montessori

The role of the Guide in a Montessori classroom is different than that of a Teacher in a traditional classroom. A Teacher is at the center, where as Guide is there to observe. A Teacher makes plans based on curriculum standards and timetables first. A Guide has her albums ready, but pays attention to what lessons a child is truly ready for. A Teacher follows a schedule, while a Guide follows the child.

 Our job as Guides is to bring the child to the door, so close they might be able to peek in through the key hole, but then we are to leave them there. And when are ready, the child will open the door for themselves. This is the opposite of what mainstream education is built upon. When I was a traditional classroom teacher, I delivered information. But now as a Montessorian, I know it's not just about disseminating curriculum. Guides are trained to present impressionistic lessons, often through storytelling, to entice the child to want to go deeper into a topic of interest and learn more. The child is our teacher, Maria Montessori believed.

Its easy to feel overwhelmed by the amount of resources, suggestions, and advice on how to home school. But what our children are saying, and what they are displaying, should be most important. The children are still themselves. Laughing, playing, creating, imagining, learning. They have their moments of upset, frustration, and boredom. Sure. And all of these patterns and emotions are telling us good information. Helping us to understand what our children need next. The Guides are working tirelessly to help bring Montessori to your homes. But our answers can often be found within the children themselves. If they are happy, leave them be. If they are stressed, back up a little bit and let them breath. If children are asking for help, by all means sit with them. Like Guides, parents should not do the work for them. Most parents are not teachers and needn't pressure themselves to juggle this additional job. No. The child more often than not just longs to know we are there, supporting and encouraging them. Believing in them. A Guide has been trained to step out of the way of the child.  The child is wired to work and persevere. To try and fail and try again. The child is carving the path right now, and it is important that we, as parents, follow their lead.