As we help our children learn to navigate the world, we are supporting their journey toward independence. At Wheaton Montessori School, we often emphasize the importance of independently tying shoes, riding bikes, and preparing family meals. But did you know that independence isn’t our end goal?!

Our Children’s Journey 

Dr. Maria Montessori observed four distinct planes of development, each representing a stage in the human journey toward greater maturity, independence, and ultimately, interdependence. At each stage, children have specific developmental needs and characteristics, and our educational approach evolves to meet them.

A core element of Montessori education is the prepared environment, a carefully designed space that gives children the freedom to move, make choices, and act with purpose. This freedom within thoughtfully designed limits supports the development of a child’s personality. We become who we are through movement and choice. Independence, then, is not just about being able to do something alone; it is also about being able to do something independently. It’s about becoming oneself.

Yet, as humans, we don’t exist in isolation. We live amongst others, and to live effectively in community with others, we must first be able to function independently. Put another way, before we can offer help to others, contribute meaningfully, or collaborate, we must first meet our own developmental needs.

First Plane (Birth to Age 6): The Formation of the Individual

From birth, children begin the work of self-construction. During this stage, children are focused on adapting to their immediate environment. Infants and toddlers explore freely using movement and their senses. 

This stage is all about gaining functional independence. By the end of this period, children can walk, talk, eat, and care for their bodies. They no longer rely completely on adults for basic needs and are ready to take their place in a social setting. A Montessori classroom is just the place!

Dr. Montessori planned for this stage when children are just beginning to participate in group life and shape their sense of self.

In the classroom, we offer children endless opportunities to gain independence, such as zipping their own jackets, pouring their own water, and preparing a snack. We also provide opportunities to care for others and the environment. Once children master the skill of pouring, they can use it to beautify the classroom by pouring water into a vase for flower arranging. After learning to sweep, they’ll notice a spill and take initiative to clean it up. When a friend needs help with their coat, they’re eager to step in and assist.

Caring for oneself and for others lays the foundation for a life of contribution.

Second Plane (Ages 6–12): Intellectual and Moral Independence

In the second stage of development, the focus shifts from physical to intellectual exploration. Children begin to ask big questions: “Why?” “How?” “What if?” Their imagination and reasoning flourish. Their curiosity is boundless.

Socially, this is a period of intense peer interaction. Children form close friendships, work collaboratively, and begin sorting out moral questions of right and wrong. Dr. Montessori described this as a “practice society,” a safe space where children rehearse the roles and responsibilities of adulthood.

While the first-plane child says, “Help me do it myself,” the second-plane child says, “Help me think for myself.” Their independence becomes more abstract. They’re forming their own ideas, solving problems, and taking responsibility for their learning and behavior. (This isn’t just a willy-nilly free-for-all; responsibility comes within structures and limits to support success.)

This intellectual and social freedom plants the seeds of interdependence — the essence of community! Children might notice a peer struggling with a math problem and offer support. Or they might mediate a conflict between friends, using logic and empathy to help everyone feel heard. Their developing independence becomes a tool for service, leadership, and connection.

Third Plane (Ages 12–18): Social and Economic Independence

As adolescents' need for independence takes on new dimensions, our 7th–9th grade programs are structured accordingly—maintaining the same rigorous, research-based design. Teenagers’ desire for independence evolves. They want to understand their role in society and make real contributions to the world. They’re seeking both social and economic independence, and they need real, meaningful work to meet this developmental drive.

Montessori adolescent programs, like at Wheaton Montessori School, are designed to support these evolving needs. Authentic programs share key components:

• Running a small business
• Growing and preparing food
• Caring for animals
• Engaging in community service
• Assuming meaningful leadership roles

Students apply academic skills in real-world contexts—writing marketing plans, managing finances, and collaborating with others. In doing so, they are learning how to problem-solve, communicate, live, and contribute to a complex society.

This is the point at which all earlier experiences of independence converge. Young people between 12 and 18 years of age apply their knowledge and skills in the service of others. While doing so, they discover what they can offer the world and who they are becoming in the process.

Outcomes: Maturity, Independence, and Interdependence

At its core, Montessori education fosters three deeply interconnected outcomes: independence, maturity, and interdependence.

Maturity goes beyond academic achievement. It’s the holistic development of a person capable of making a meaningful contribution to the world and knowing they belong. Independence, evolving across each stage of development, is essential to this process. But independence is not the final step. True maturity culminates in interdependence, the natural, collaborative state of human life we call community.

Why This Matters

Every act of independence, from an infant grasping a rattle to a teen extracting honey, is a step toward full participation in human society. These conquests matter.

So, when your toddler insists on putting on their shoes, when your eight-year-old argues about fair rules, or when your teenager wants to solve a conflict without your help, pause. Remember that these are not just frustrating moments. They are signs that your child is on the right path.

Independence is the path to a life grounded in meaningful work, mutual respect, and authentic connection with others.

Campus Visits to Experience Independence and Community

Schedule a visit to Wheaton Montessori School, the only internationally accredited Montessori school in Illinois that serves children from preschool through freshman year of high school. This is where we discover, grow, and thrive together.

• Current Families: Classroom observations begin in mid-October!
  Curious about what’s next? It’s never too early to peek into your child’s next adventure. Ready to level up? Let us know when you'd like to visit!

• Alumni: We invite you to reconnect with your former teachers and classrooms—please email the office to schedule your visit.

• Prospective Families: Explore our campus and connect with our highly specialized teachers, who guide and inspire young people on their journey of becoming. We invite you to schedule a tour today!