Montessori & the Gift of Time

One of the most profound principles of the Montessori philosophy is the idea of giving children the “gift of time.” In a world that often prioritises speed, efficiency, and early achievement, Montessori takes a different approach that honours each child’s natural developmental pace. This gift of time means resisting the urge to rush children through milestones, instead allowing them the space to grow, learn, and evolve in their own way. Montessori classrooms are thoughtfully prepared environments where children can explore concepts deeply, repeat activities until they feel confident, and follow their interests without the pressure of artificial deadlines or standardised benchmarks.

This approach is most evident in the long, uninterrupted work periods that are an important part of Montessori education. Rather than switching activities on a rigid schedule, children are given the time to enter a state of deep concentration and flow. Within this protected time, they are free to engage with materials at their own rhythm, moving quickly when they’re inspired, or slowly and methodically when they’re exploring something new. The result is not only stronger academic learning, but a deep sense of ownership and joy in the process of discovery.

The Gift of Time

The gift of time extends beyond academics. Emotional and social development are equally valued in Montessori, and children are given the space to process their feelings, work through social challenges, and build emotional intelligence at their own pace. Whether it's resolving a conflict with a peer or quietly observing before jumping into group activities, children are not rushed or judged—they’re trusted. This respect for timing supports the development of confident, compassionate individuals who know themselves and respect others.

In giving children time, Montessori also fosters independence. Adults in the classroom act as guides rather than directors, stepping back so children can make choices, solve problems, and take responsibility for their actions. This might mean letting a child struggle a bit as they button their coat or pour water from a pitcher, trusting that the process is just as important as the result. The ability to pause, observe, and allow a child the opportunity to try (and try again) is one of the most powerful ways we can show them respect.

As adults, it’s easy to think with our own perceptions of efficiency but for the children, the process is just as important, if not more important than the product. For example, while the most efficient option might be to put on a child’s shoes for them, that would be to rob them of the opportunity to engage in a developmentally necessary motor skill activity as well as feed their need for independence.

We all have schedules to adhere to so there may not always be time to spare but we can challenge ourselves to sit on our hands and count in our heads for a moment before jumping in to speed along the process. You may be amazed by what you see. 

Ultimately, when children are given time, they thrive. They develop confidence, intrinsic motivation, and a genuine love of learning. They feel seen, valued, and supported in becoming their most authentic selves. In a fast-paced world, Montessori reminds us that time is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. And giving it freely may be one of the most valuable gifts we can offer our children.

Maggie is one of Little Gems Montessori pedagogues working with our 3 to 6 years old little gems. As once said, “Education is a journey, not a race”, is such a true statement. In a Montessori environment we understand that development cannot be rushed. Instead we trust in the children, observe them and carefully

guide them along setting appropriate challenges. By giving children time to explore, think and understand, to figure things out, we allow them to develop at their own pace, which is beneficial to all their developmental areas.