The Prepared Environment
The entire learning environment — the classroom, the materials and their placement, the social setting and atmosphere — are
geared to be supportive of the child. The Montessori classroom is designed to be engaging to the child, with materials placed on
open shelving to encourage exploration. Furniture is sized for the child, and Montessori children are able to spread out their works on
the floor with respect for the classmates. Hands-on learning tools make abstract concepts real and understandable. Ground rules
are clear and enforced by teachers and other students so that children understand the expectations for their behavior.
Modern research has also reinforced Dr. Montessori's observations that children between the ages of 2-6 years old pass through various
sensitive periods of intense fascination for learning a particular activity or skill. The Montessori classroom encourages and invites
the child to increase his or her learning ability during these sensitive states according to his or her own will and readiness.
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Goals of the
Montessori Method
With an eye toward the development of a competent, self-assured, independent, and caring adult, the Montessori method aims to:
- Foster natural curiosity and a positive attitude toward school
- Develop each child's self-confidence and habits of initiative, concentration, and persistence
- Nurture inner security and a sense of order
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