Montessori in a Minute: The Jacket Flip

Why do Montessori classrooms place such care and intention on even the smallest daily routines? In Montessori education, independence is not just taught through grand gestures. Instead, our teachers help students cultivate confidence in everyday “I did it myself” moments. One of the best examples of this is the Montessori Jacket Flip.

Here’s how it is done: A child places their jacket or coat on the floor in front of them, with the hood end at their feet and the jacket open. For a small child, it’s easy to bend over to place their arms into the sleeves and, in one swoop, flip the jacket up and over their head onto their shoulders. 

To adults, the Jacket Flip would be an overly complicated, even comical, way to put on a jacket. But for a small child still learning coordination and fine-tuning their gross motor skills, putting on a jacket the way adults do it does not come naturally. 

The Importance of the Montessori Jacket Flip

Our students are encouraged to take initiative whenever possible. The Jacket Flip transforms what could be an adult-led task into a child-led accomplishment. Rather than waiting for assistance, children learn a clear, repeatable process that empowers them to succeed independently. With each successful flip, their ability grows.

In Montessori schools worldwide, Practical Life activities such as the Jacket Flip are intentionally designed to build independence step by step. These moments prepare children for larger responsibilities. When a child learns, “I can put on my own coat,” that belief extends to “I can solve problems,” “I can try new things,” and “I am capable.”

Our multi-age Montessori classrooms take this experience beyond Practical Life and into community building. Younger students observe older peers completing the Jacket Flip with ease, while older students model leadership and patience back to them. Teachers provide calm guidance, stepping in only when needed, and allowing children the space to practice and persevere.

When we allow children to accomplish what they are capable of, even in something as small as putting on a coat, we send a powerful message: you are competent, independent, and can do hard things.

The Montessori in a Minute Series

The Montessori In A Minute series regularly explores the unique benefits of the Montessori philosophy, its fundamental materials, and classroom areas. For all parents at Hudson Montessori School (Jersey City, New Jersey), we host annual Montessori Parent Education Events to educate parents about the Montessori method and how students learn within a Montessori framework. At Hudson Montessori, a child's education is a partnership between school and home, working together to support a student's learning journey.

Contact us to learn more about Hudson Montessori School's theme-based learning approach to education, the Montessori philosophy and methodology, or how the school fosters the love of learning for children aged 2 to eighth grade.