This podcast episode and article take a critical look at independence in Montessori practice, discussing Montessori materials, the dichotomy between work and play, an asset-based approach, the role of the adult and more. Sole Scuderi shares his experience of working in Montessori settings and explains that blended practice is considered best practice – merging different approaches and pedagogies with Montessori principles. Read Sole’s article here:  https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/fostering-independence-in-montessori-settings Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: Montessori for sustainability – Sarah Cummins -  https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/montessori-for-sustainability/ Montessori in practice today – Sarah Thorpe –  https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/montessori-in-practice-today/ Learned helplessness: Are we setting children up for failure? – Dr Sue Allingham – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/learned-helplessness/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Sharing international pedagogies 04:00 – How is independence a Montessori value? 08:28 – Self-correcting materials 11:00 – Activities for everyday living/practical life 13:00 – The adult’s role as a guide 14:30 – Calm and order in Montessori classrooms 15:10 – Cultural area of learning – the map game 18:00 – Unlocking the child’s potential through independence 19:30 – The ‘horme’ concept in Montessori 20:00 – Adult as a guide vs co-constructor 21:30 – Sensorial area in Montessori classrooms   25:30 – Is there role play in Montessori classrooms? 31:00 – ‘Mainstream provision’ blending with Montessori provision 33:00 – Modern Montessori practice 33:39 – The concept of ‘work’ in Montessori classrooms 34:45 – Is ‘work’ contradictory to ‘play’? 38:00 – Learned helplessness can happen in Montessori classrooms 39:30 – Curriculum provision in Montessori 43:30 – Unlocking a child’s potential   48:00 – Montessori classroom myth 49:00 – Cycles of activities and tidying up 56:00 – Group presentations and activities 59:00 – In the moment planning 01:01:30 – The nature table – a strong Montessori influence 01:03:40 – Taking a critical lens but equally celebrating Montessori practice For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com