SEL in the Montessori Classroom

September, 2025

by Angie Molina

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is a critical part of early childhood development. At Small World Montessori School, we use Maria Montessori’s own methodology to holistically introduce, teach, encourage, and engage children in all the key core elements of SEL:

1. Self-Awareness

2. Self-Management

3. Social Awareness

4. Responsible Decision-Making

5. Relationship Skills

Social skills, emotional regulation, and personal accountability are all things that young children may find challenging, and they are also things that need to be taught. The principles of Montessori education which focus on independence, self-directed and self-correcting learning, and respect for the child all line up perfectly with SEL!

Here are some ways you can witness Social Emotional Learning in action in our classrooms:

• Practical life activities focusing on care of self (hair brushing), care of the environment (plant watering), and care of others (making and serving tea).

• Group time discussions about feelings and how to manage them appropriately.

• Activities targeting the identification of emotions.

• Peace Corners encouraging conflict resolution.

• Cozy/Quiet corners to independently regulate emotions and find calm.

• Montessori teachers to model, guide, and always lend a helping hand and heart.

“There is a great sense of community within the Montessori classroom, where children of differing ages work together in an atmosphere of cooperation rather than competitiveness. There is respect for the environment and for the individuals within it, which comes through experience of freedom within the community.” – Maria Montessori