Montessori Moment: The Work Cycle

Each day at school the children are given the opportunity for a lengthy “work cycle” in the classroom. Ideally, this time is 2-3 hours long - and uninterrupted - giving children the time to choose and complete work from the shelf, receive lessons from the Montessori guide, and possibly observe lessons other children receive. Work time also includes space for other choices: spending quiet time in the peace corner, reading a book with a friend, wandering productively, and of course, eating snack! There are also times where the entire class gathers together at circle for songs, lessons, and stories.

From www.amshq.org: “Within the prepared environment of the Montessori classroom, children are taught to complete a work cycle which includes 1) choosing an activity; 2) completing the activity to completion (perhaps repeating the full sequence of the activity multiple times), cleaning up and returning the materials to the proper place; and 3) experiencing a sense of satisfaction to have fully completed the task.”

The 2-3 hour work cycle builds independence, responsibility and connection, three of the shining tenets of a Montessori classroom!