Montessori Simplified: Why Use Breakable Dishes

We've officially moved into our new home, and among so many things to get used to, there are ceramic tile floors in the kitchen and dining area. Which has resulted in two broken dishes within the last day.

Though Ignatius has used glass dishes and real silverware ever since he started eating solids, this ceramic floor introduces a whole new level of difficulty for him, and for our dishes. I've quickly realized we need to reinforce the lessons required for using glass dishes with Ignatius.

Today, I pulled out some wooden bowls which I will use with Ignatius while we wait for our dining room furniture to arrive. However, all of this has made me consider why Montessori encourages the use of ceramic and glass dishes.

1. It always starts with respect, we believe they are capable

In Montessori, it is taught and understood that all children are capable - often so much more capable than we give them the credit of being. It is based on this understanding that children are given the responsibility of breakable dishes, along with the appropriate lessons on how to use them safely, right from the start.

Through trusting them to learn to handle the things in their environment carefully and with respect, we empower them, showing them we believe in their abilities and that they, in turn can believe in themselves. It may seem like a small thing, but it honestly holds such a huge message behind it.


2. Natural consequences

While we are not expecting children to break items, and are not deliberately placing them in situations expecting them to be hurt, broken dishes will happen when we give children ceramic and glass. Prior to our tile floors in this house, it was very rare for Ignatius to break a dish, but when it does happen, it is a very clear natural consequence. Handle a dish carelessly, and it breaks.

When this happens I try to calmly clean up the mess, and move on with what we were doing without shaming the child or using more words than necessary.


3. The weight of the dish

One of the benefits of ceramic and glass dishes, provided that you choose a durable one such as this Duralex Glass, is that they are much heavier than plastic. This helps a weaning child to feel the weight of their glass, making it easier for them to pick it up and successfully put it down again.

When children are older, the added weight reminds them to move carefully, as a heavier dish requires more thoughtful movements.

And overall, a heavier dish is harder to topple over or accidentally knock from a table.


4. Aspect of beauty 

As with all things in the Montessori prepared environment, the beauty of each item is a consideration. The more beautiful and special an item is for the child, the more likely they are to handle it with care and treat it with reverence.

5. Not setting them apart from us

Assuming we, as parents, are not using plastic dishes like the children, one added benefit of allowing children to use glass and ceramic in the home is that they are using dishes that are similar or the same as what they see us using. Even the youngest child can see and understand if they are not trusted to use the same dishes as what they see the people around them using.

I'm sure there are even more reasons behind the Montessori standard of allowing children to use breakable, real dishes. Isn't it amazing how even the smallest thing in the Montessori teaching has such sound reasoning behind it?


Thank you for reading! For more posts in my simplifying Montessori series: The Beginning of Normalization | Following The Child | The Work Cycle | The Value of Concentration | Obedience and Self-Discipline

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me. And if you are interested in following along in our daily adventures, follow us on Instagram where I post daily.

God bless,
Olivia Fischer