In a Montessori classroom, the materials are designed with a built-in “control of error” that helps children recognize and correct their own mistakes.
For example, if a child is working with cylinders, they’ll immediately notice if the wrong one doesn’t fit into a hole, prompting them to try again without needing an adult to step in. This encourages independence, problem-solving, and confidence.
The teacher’s role is to observe, guide, and create a supportive environment rather than direct the child’s learning. The teacher steps in only when necessary, offering gentle hints or asking questions to help the child figure things out themselves.
This helps children learn not just academic skills, but also resilience, as they see mistakes as a natural part of the learning process.