Maria Montessori observed that children under the age of six often struggle to distinguish between what is real and what is fantasy. At this stage, everything in their environment seems real to them as they are still developing their understanding of the world.
Montessori emphasized the importance of first presenting children with reality to help them build a solid foundation of understanding. Fantasy can be introduced once they are better able to differentiate between what is real and what is imaginary.
As Montessori herself stated, "It is necessary to prepare children to perceive the things in their environment exactly, in order to secure for them the material required by the imagination." By first helping children observe and understand their world in detail, we provide them with the raw material needed for meaningful imaginative thinking. Imagination, in the Montessori philosophy, is rooted in a child's deep understanding of reality, allowing them to create and imagine based on their knowledge of the real world.
At school, we absolutely encourage children to use their imagination through creative play and exploration. However, we balance this by helping them understand what is real and what is make-believe, especially during early childhood when this distinction is still developing. While traditions like Halloween often emphasize fantasy, we choose to focus on reality-based experiences within the school environment. Activities such as painting pumpkins or leaf printing offer children a way to engage with the season while staying grounded in real-world learning.
Cultural celebrations also play a key role in our school environment because they offer meaningful, reality-based experiences. By participating in cultural traditions from around the world, children learn about diversity, community, and the real practices that connect people globally. These celebrations align with Montessori’s emphasis on peace, respect, and the interconnectedness of all people, giving children a deep and enriching sense of reality.
Supporting Children’s Understanding of Reality and Fantasy: During holidays like Halloween, it’s important to help children distinguish between what is real and what is make-believe. If a child is frightened by a spooky decoration or costume, gently explaining, “These decorations are just pretend,” or “That person is wearing a costume and pretending,” helps them feel secure while navigating the imaginative aspects of the holiday.
As children grow and become more confident in distinguishing between reality and fantasy, they may naturally enjoy participating in imaginative traditions outside of school. Within the school environment, however, we continue to encourage imagination while focusing on nurturing their understanding of the real world through culturally rich and meaningful experiences.
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