The Backwards World builds on this approach by inviting children to imagine what might happen if familiar rules, systems or assumptions were reversed.

At Montessori Global Education, we are committed to making Montessori accessible wherever it is needed, amplifying children’s voices and fostering meaningful, child-centred learning across diverse cultural and educational contexts. Through collaborative partnerships, professional dialogue and global engagement, we work to strengthen environments in which children are supported to think independently, participate actively and develop confidence in their own ideas.

In line with this commitment, and developed in collaboration with Sarah Tucker, award-winning novelist, journalist, BBC travel journalist, broadcaster and yoga instructor, The Backwards World is a global thinking initiative centred on reversal – inviting children to question assumptions and explore perspective shift within a clear structure.

The initiative creates a shared space for self-discovery, independent thought and creative expression across our international community, while making visible the intellectual curiosity and systems awareness that child-centred practice nurtures.

Participating learning environments can expect an approach that is flexible and adaptable across diverse child-centred learning environments. The initiative is designed to make sense within existing practice, honouring the rhythms, cultures and contexts of each setting while creating a shared opportunity to amplify children’s voices and independent thinking at a global level.

As a result of this initiative, children’s contributions are brought together within a collective international archive, forming a shared record of ideas and perspectives across our global community.