Montessori’s fears and fears within Montessor

Abstract

The article explores the concept of fear within the context of Montessori pedagogy, examining both Maria Montessori’s writings and the narratives of contemporary practitioners of the approach. The author distinguishes between two perspectives: “Montessori’s fears,” as articulated by the creator of this pedagogy, and “fears within Montessori,” as they emerge in the experiences of teachers. Montessori focuses on concerns about the adverse impact of adults on children, emphasizing the need to protect childhood from distortions caused by traditional educational practices. Contemporary teachers, in contrast, highlight fears related to children, parents, and organizational challenges. The analyses reveal disparities between Montessori’s original assumptions and their contemporary interpretations. The findings serve as a starting point for reflecting on the potential for reinterpreting Montessori pedagogy.