The Montessori Prepared Enviornment

Main Points to Consider for the Prepared Environment:

The Prepared Environment is any where the child is. For all ages, it should be maintained and kept neat and orderly. As the child gets older they will be able to maintain it themselves, but the younger child will need assistance. "Less is more" is often a good motto with the Prepared Environment because children get over-stimulated and can't really "see" what they have. Fewer items on the shelves promotes respect and reverence for the materials. The shelves for the infant/crawler should be about 12inches and for the toddler they should be about 16 inches high. The child will be able to use the top shelf as a work space and will enjoy the fruits of their labor. Place mirrors and beautiful pictures above the shelf at eye level for the child. Then stand back and observe the beauty of the prepared environment.

Age 0-3 years:
It is simple, natural and encourages communication and movement from birth to three.
The child from birth to three has a keen sense of order and the Prepared Environment should foster that. It should not change for the first year of the child’s life.
Children should have a “main” play area and smaller areas in other parts of the house.
Toys should be attractive, easily accessible, age appropriate, and safe.

Age 3-6 years:
From age 3-6 the Prepared Environment should foster independence and self-control.
The child should be a part of family life and be included in family activities.
The child should be responsible for toys and other personal belongings.
The child can dress themselves and take care of many personal needs- it just takes a little more time.

Age 6-9 years:
The child is very independent and can take care of personal hygiene, dressing, etc.
The child should be included in many family activities and have responsibilities.
The child should have a study place to do homework, reading, etc.
Rotate toys and try to keep room simple and clean. Model putting things away.

If you are interested in more information about the Prepared Environment or I haven't covered your child's age, feel free to post questions and I will happily answer them.

Practical Life Exercises:

Maria Montessori's Practical Life exercises are directly connected to a child’s independence and sense of self.
The more we adults allow the child to work independently, repeat steps over and over and include them in as many activities as possible do we get the privilege of witnessing the beauty of the practical life exercises. These exercises are designed to inspire mastery and build skills allowing children to gain independence and self-discipline. These exercises include allowing the child to make their own snack, set the table and pour their own drink, as well as dress and undress themselves, brush their teeth and comb their hair.
Practical Life activities are the traditional works of the family and home. They can be broken down into four categories:

1. Preliminary activities – carrying a tray, pouring water, spooning grain, walking on the line, etc.

2. Care of the environment – cleaning, sweeping, dusting, gardening, raking, and polishing.

3. Care of self – dressing, toileting, brushing teeth, bathing, combing hair, preparing food, setting the table.

4. Grace and courtesy – using table manners, greeting others, saying “please” and “thank you”, learning to control one’s own body.

Remember that Practical Life activities are the daily routines and rituals that adults do in order to maintain their environment. When we remember to present these activities with enthusiasm and break them down into sequential steps, a child will feel encouraged as he practices them on his own. Montessori reminds us that “Adults work to finish a task, but the child works in order to grow and is working to create the adult, the person that is to be.” As adults, we work to finish tasks efficiently and quickly so as to move on to the next task. A child, however, is working to master the activity. He will practice repeatedly to perfect his abilities and then, may turn his attention elsewhere. We must observe the child and allow them uninterrupted time and space to master these newly found skills.

adapted from Montessori From the Start
by Paula Polk Lillard

Free Montessori Workshop Each Month at Austin Baby!

From the Montessori coach:Fun in the summer months!

This workshop is all about having fun in the summer time and keeping a harmonious flow in your daily life. It can be difficult in the summer time when there is so much change, but staying with the Montessori philosophy can bring harmony and fun into the dog days of summer. Talitha will talk about Montessori philosophy, the Prepared Environment and offer suggestions for fun-filled activities in the summer.

Please join us for this free workshop and as always, Kids are welcome! Feel Free to pass this on to other people who might be interested. Thanks for your support!


Talitha's next free Montessori workshop at Austin Baby is Friday, July 25 , 2008 at 11:00 am.

First Blog Ever

This is my first blog ever. I am a Montessori teacher/advisor/consultant in the austin area. I am startign this blog to share Montessori information, Q & A, fun things happening in the Austin area, recipes and all sorts of other things. I hope you are satisfied and I would love to hear from you if you have any questions regarding Montessori education.
Have a Great Day!