Does Montessori Allow Screen Time?

Screen time is one of the most debated topics among parents today. 

With tablets, smartphones, and smart TVs all within easy reach, it’s no surprise that many families are asking: how much is too much?

For parents drawn to the Montessori philosophy, this question becomes even more pressing. 

Montessori is all about independence, hands-on exploration, and real-world learning—but where does that leave screens?

The answer isn’t as black-and-white as you might think. While Maria Montessori never lived in the digital era, the principles she left behind give us clear guidance on how to approach technology in a child’s life.

Understanding these principles can help parents make thoughtful choices about screen use at home.

At Dannico Woodworks, where we design children’s furniture that supports independence and creativity, this conversation matters deeply to us too. 

We want to help parents create environments where kids can thrive—whether that’s at the table stacking blocks, curled up with a book, or even occasionally using a screen in a balanced way.

Montessori and the Value of Hands-On Learning

Montessori education is built on the belief that children learn best through real, tangible experiences.

Pouring water, tying shoelaces, and building towers with blocks all give children the chance to practice focus, coordination, and problem-solving.

Screens, on the other hand, offer stimulation that doesn’t always translate to real-world skills.

For example, swiping on a tablet might be engaging, but it doesn’t build the same fine motor development that comes from cutting paper with scissors or threading beads onto a string.

That’s why traditional Montessori classrooms typically avoid screens—especially in the early years. Instead, the environment is filled with practical tools, natural materials, and opportunities for children to explore with their hands.

Does That Mean Screens Are “Forbidden”?

Not exactly. The Montessori approach isn’t about hard rules; it’s about principles. One of those principles is “following the child”—paying attention to their developmental needs and interests.

In today’s world, technology is part of daily life. Completely shielding children from it may not always be realistic or even helpful.

The real question is how screens are used. Montessori-inspired families often approach screen time with these guidelines:

• Hands-on first: Screens should never replace real-life exploration. A video of gardening isn’t the same as planting seeds in the dirt.
  

• Quality over quantity: A short, meaningful documentary about animals can be more valuable than hours of passive cartoons.
  

• Active, not passive: Interactive tools that encourage creativity, problem-solving, or movement can align better with Montessori principles than passive entertainment.
  

• Timing matters: Many Montessori educators suggest limiting or avoiding screens for children under six, when hands-on experiences are most critical for brain development.
  
  

Practical Tips for Screen Use in a Montessori-Inspired Home

If you’d like to keep your home Montessori-aligned while also acknowledging the role of technology, here are some practical steps:

1. Set Clear Boundaries

Screens should be part of the routine, not the centrepiece.

For example, allowing a short educational video after outdoor play can create balance while setting healthy expectations.

2. Prioritize Real Tools

Montessori emphasizes giving children real, child-sized tools: pitchers to pour water, brushes to sweep crumbs, and furniture that supports independence.

When kids have access to these real-life experiences, screens naturally take a back seat. 

That’s where thoughtfully designed furniture, like what we create at Dannico Woodworks, makes a difference.

3. Choose Content Intentionally

If your child does use a screen, guide them toward content that connects to their real-world interests. For example:

• Watching a cooking tutorial before baking together.
  

• Exploring a nature documentary, then going outside to look for the same animals.
  
  

4. Model Healthy Use

Children learn more from what we do than what we say. If screens dominate adult life, kids will notice.

Modelling balance—reading a book, gardening, or working on a project—shows them that life doesn’t revolve around technology.

5. Create Screen-Free Spaces

Designating certain areas as screen-free zones helps children naturally associate those spaces with hands-on play, reading, or creativity.

A child-sized reading nook or art table, for instance, can redirect their attention toward meaningful, screen-free exploration.

FAQs

At what age should Montessori families introduce screens?

 Most Montessori educators recommend avoiding screen time before the age of six, since the early years are so crucial for sensory and motor development.

That said, occasional limited exposure under supervision may work for some families.

Are educational apps considered Montessori-aligned?

 Not necessarily. While some apps encourage problem-solving and creativity, they can’t replace real-world learning.

Montessori values concrete, hands-on experiences. Apps can be supportive tools, but should never be the foundation of learning.

How much screen time is “too much”?

 There’s no single number that works for every child, but many Montessori-inspired families aim to keep screens to a minimum—using them occasionally and intentionally rather than daily entertainment.

What if my child already loves screens?

It’s never too late to find balance. Start by introducing engaging, hands-on activities at their level: puzzles, building projects, or even helping in the kitchen. Gradually reduce screen time by offering compelling alternatives.

The Montessori Takeaway on Screens

The Montessori philosophy doesn’t come with a strict set of screen-time rules. Instead, it gives us guiding principles to create thoughtful, balanced environments. 

At its core, Montessori values independence, creativity, and real-world exploration. Screens, when used sparingly and intentionally, can support those values—but they should never replace them.

At Dannico Woodworks, we believe that creating the right environment is half the battle.

When children have access to sturdy, functional, and beautiful furniture designed just for them, they naturally engage more in independent play, hands-on learning, and creative exploration—leaving less room for screens to take over.

So, does Montessori allow screen time? The better question might be: How can we create spaces where screens are just one tool among many, not the main event?

What role do you think screens should play in your child’s daily life?