The Prepared Environment of a Montessori Classroom

When it comes time to send your young child to school, there are a lot of things to consider. You want to find a setting that has reliable and capable adults, a welcoming and joyful learning environment, and a space your child will feel safe to thrive in. Choosing a school is one of the biggest decisions you’ve made thus far in parenting, and you only want the best schooling experience for your child.

Montessori schools are unique in many ways, but there is one aspect of their approach that truly sets them apart from other early childhood educational settings–the prepared environment.

The Prepared Environment

When you enter a Montessori classroom, the first thing you’ll notice is how meticulously designed it is to ignite curiosity and inspire young learners to embark on a journey of self led discovery. The prepared environment in an early childhood classroom is an essential element of the Montessori method, both in the selection of the physical materials that make up the classroom environment, as well as the atmosphere of mutual trust and respect between the teachers and students.

This environment cultivates a passion for learning and understanding the world that is not confined to the classroom–it spills over into every area of the child’s life.

What is the Prepared Environment?

Maria Montessori believed that children would thrive and reach their greatest potential if given the proper foundation in their earliest years. Built on the values of teaching independence and nurturing a love of learning, the Montessori method puts great value in a well structured and meaningfully designed classroom environment. The prepared environment provides a space for curious learners to engage in age appropriate, highly engaging learning experiences, practice independence and self regulation, and explore their inherent creativity.

The Montessori classroom is crafted to provide the highest quality early learning experiences. Every item has been purposefully chosen to inspire exploration, and each belongs to its own intentionally organized space.

A true Montessori prepared environment will have:

Shelves that are low and accessible, upon which sit enticing and authentic learning activities
Vibrant, inviting workspaces that are clean, clutter free, and surrounded by elements of nature
Real world materials for children to develop skills with and learn how to care for

Every detail of the classroom environment is catered to the child. The delicate and beautiful nature of materials give children a sense of pride and ownership over their learning. The atmosphere of focused, engaging activity stimulates a desire to take part in the excitement and joy of learning.

The Classroom Environment as a Community

Within the prepared environment, there is a palpable sense of a strong community based on relationships of mutual respect and trust. Each and every child is recognized as an individual with unique learning styles and interests. The role of the adult in the Montessori classroom differs from the traditional teacher who imparts knowledge upon their students. Instead, Montessori educators play the role of a facilitator of learning by preparing and maintaining the classroom environment, and guiding the children in their growth.

A Montessori teacher:

Serves as a patient guide and facilitator of learning
Allows children to engage in activities of their choice,
Provides a safe space for errors to occur
Offers gentle redirection and support when needed
Observes behaviors and interactions among the children and adapts accordingly
Provides meaningful learning opportunities and makes each aspect of the classroom accessible to all students

This freedom within appropriate limits provides the child with a sense of autonomy and empowerment, and propels their passion for learning forward.

Children in Montessori classrooms with well designed prepared environments feel comfortable in knowing what to expect, where to find materials, and the knowledge that everything in the room is made for them. They understand the order and organization of the classroom, and know where to find practical life, sensorial, math, and literacy materials. The use of real life objects leaves the child feeling a natural sense of responsibility, which leads to children treating classroom materials with respect and care.

Benefits of the Prepared Environment

The prepared environment supports individual learners by providing meaningful learning experiences at an age appropriate level. All elements of the prepared environment are centered around the child: the furniture is child sized, and the rooms are filled with beauty and order–creating a safe and welcoming environment in which children can explore, create, and learn.

Children who have the opportunity to learn in these classroom environments build self confidence and learn to safely assert independence, because they are given the freedom to take risks and try new things.
Because the child has the autonomy to follow their own path, they follow their natural inclinations to explore new ideas, experiences, and places.
Children in the Montessori classroom feel a sense of belonging knowing that their natural curiosity and love for learning is being nurtured.
Social and emotional awareness are developed through authentic interactions with the children and adults they are learning and growing with.

The Montessori prepared environment creates a space in which all children feel safe and welcome. The journey of learning and discovery is celebrated in all aspects of the classroom, and ignites a passion for exploration and curiosity–which will remain with the child as they strive to reach their full potential.

When considering what type of school to choose for your child, consider the classroom environment.

Is it set up to teach independence and promote creativity and growth?
Does your child feel like a valued member of a classroom community?
Is your child’s natural desire to learn and explore supported and celebrated?

When you choose a Montessori school for your child, you’re setting the stage for a lifelong love of learning and exploration. The foundational skills they develop academically, socially, and practically, become the stepping stones to a successful educational experience.