Montessori's Decalogue

How to be a respectful adult when working with children


Laura LeClair

How can adults prepare themselves to best serve the needs of young children?

In this presentation, Laura LeClair uses Montessori's Decalogue as a framework for the behaviors and mental attitudes adults can adopt to best serve the needs of young children.


"I enjoyed the peaceful and knowledgeable presence of Laura as she explained the Decalogue. Each point was beautifully transposed into the modern classroom to emphasize what Montessori means today and how we can strive for our best potential as teachers. I especially enjoyed the exercises between points that allowed this recorded video to feel more interactive and mindful. " -Rachel Blackmer


"This is short sweet and full of good direction for new and seasoned teachers alike. I hope to re-watch it regularly to remind me of how my mood and energy can change the spirit of those around me, especially young children." -Janet Flanagan


A certificate of completion for 1 hour is provided. Learn more about certificates here.

Montessori's Decalogue


Never touch the child unless invited by him (in some form or the other).

Never speak ill of the child in his presence or absence.

Concentrate on strengthening and helping the development of what is good in the child that its presence may leave less and less space for 'evil'.

Be active in preparing the environment. Take meticulous and constant care of it. Help the child establish constructive relations with it. Show the proper place where the means of development are kept and demonstrate their proper use.

Be ever ready to answer the call of the child who stands in need of you, and always listen and respond to the child who appeals to you.

Respect the child who makes a mistake and can then or later correct himself, but stop firmly and immediately any misuse of the environment and any action which endangers the child, his development or others.

Respect the child who takes rest or watches others working or ponders over what he himself has done or will do. Neither call him nor force him to other forms of activity.

Help those who are in search of activity and cannot find it.

Be untiring in repeating presentations to the child who refused them earlier, in helping the child acquire what is not yet his own and overcome imperfections. Do this by animating the environment with care, with restraint and silence, with mild words and loving presence. Make your ready presence felt to the child who searches and hide from the child who has found.

Always treat the child with the best of good manners and offer him the best you have in yourself and at your disposal.
"Perfect for the on the go teacher or assistant. Super helpful. It's great to have these helpful but very important reminders at our fingertips." -Kimesha Thompson 

"This course is an excellent reminder of what the aware adult should look like and feel like in a Montessori classroom. After taking the course you are reminded of the importance of "bringing children into our calm." -Shakira Chambers


"Laura C. LeClair is a thoughtful lecturer. This course is simply presented but fully in-depth. The information provided is not only applicable to adults who work with Infants and Toddlers, but also suitable for Primary guides and parents." -Jaden Fooks


"While this couse focused on infants, there was so much relevant to the 6-12 enviroment. Being reminded on "how" to respect a child or the image of what a respectful adult acts like is very helpful."  -Lisa Dehaine

Laura LeClair

Laura is an instructor, mentor, educational consultant, and postpartum doula. She spent over two decades in Montessori classrooms, guiding children from Birth through Kindergarten. She has a passion for tending to classrooms and the adults who bring them to life, with a special interest in creating successful, inclusive environments for children of all abilities.

Laura has a B.A. in English from Middlebury College in Middlebury, VT. She holds American Montessori Society credentials in Infant and Toddler (CME|NY) and Early Childhood (MTTP). She received her M.Ed. in Interdisciplinary Studies of Preschool Education & Development from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She also studies the science of compassion, contemplative practice and yoga. Laura sees this work as key in the spiritual preparation of the adult, as educators and families develop their capacity for personal transformation and well-being.

Learn more about Laura at auroraeducational.com

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the course start and finish?

This is a pre-recorded presentation and you may watch it at your own pace. You have access for one year and you may rewatch the content as often as you wish during that time.

Who is this course for?

This course is designed for both professional educators and parents/caregivers. It is best suited for the infant-toddler and preschool age range.

Is this a live workshop?

No. This is a pre-recorded video presentation. You can view this video multiple times at your convenience.

Will I receive a Certificate of Attendance?

You can get a certificate of attendance for ONE HOUR by request. You will need to fill out a feedback form. You will receive a PDF certificate via email. Read more about certificates of attendance HERE.

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