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 Montessori
Prepared Environment
"An
environment designed to meet the child's need for 'self-construction'
and to reveal his personality and growth to us, so that
we may assist him
in the appropriate manner to accomplish his work"
- Dr Maria Montessori -
Beside
being designed in proportion to the child and his needs,
The six basic elements are:
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Freedom
The development of character and will in a young child will
be adversely affected if he is not properly nurtured and
stimulated in the appropriate environment. In order to exercise
inner discipline, the child must be given freedom. The freedom
of movement allows the child to act within the limits of
responsibility and gives him his right to independence,
right to activity and right to explore the world for himself.
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Structure and Order
A place for everything and everything in its place. The
child needs order and stability in his environment because
he is constructing himself ( sorting out and categorizing
all his experiences) out of the elements of the environment.
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Reality and Nature
The Montessori environment should reflect the reality of
the young child's surroundings and be as close to nature
as is possible, thus avoiding abstract notions of fantasy
and make-believe.
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Beauty
Beauty as interpreted by Montessori is "Harmony".
Montessori environment is a harmonious environment both
externally and internally, bringing a sense of joy, peace
and balance to the class and its occupants
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Social Environment / Community
Children are not force into social co-operation before they
are ready or prepared. Montessori environment is designed
such that a child may observe others and the older children
without being pressured into working or playing with them
until he feels ready to do so whilst at the same time, he
is prepared for the social life through lessons in manners
and behaviour.
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Intellectual Environment with Montessori Apparatus
The Montessori environment is a nourishing place for children.
The materials are designed to cater for the child's need
for self- construction and development. An environment which
foster cognitive, social, emotional and physical development.
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