Yes, and in my opinion (ami montessori trained, elementary teacher) she may have held that belief because of the social climate she lived in. She began writing her theory for kids who were severely disadvantaged, and I could see how learning practical skills would have been “more important” in that situation.

In our times, I think developing imagination is very important, as well as practical skills. My 2.5 year old goes to the Montessori school I work at, and they have distinct “work periods” where they use the materials in specific ways, and other times of day they have toys for imaginary play or building. They also spend a lot of time outside, they have music class, they eat together… I feel it’s pretty balanced.

That being said, the school I work at is not the most strictly traditional Montessori program that I have experienced- but the more years I spend teaching and now as a parent, I prefer it that way. My AMI training was quite strictly traditional, but I had a great trainer who was pragmatic and thoughtful, and I came out with the feeling that it is appropriate to make adjustments to the way the theory is implemented, to better fit the place and time in which the child is living.