Montessori glossary · Ideas
Follow the child
Teaching led by close observation of what a particular child is ready for, rather than by a fixed timetable.
In plain English
What it actually means
It does not mean letting a child do whatever they like. It means the adult watches closely enough to know which presentation to give next, and gives it at the moment the child can use it. The scope and sequence still exist; the timing is individual.
Why it matters to you
On a tour
This is the part that depends entirely on the quality of the teacher, which is why teacher training is worth asking about everywhere you visit.
More terms
Other words you will hear
Hear these words used properly
Tours run mid-morning, during the work cycle, year-round.