Page 16 - parent handbook 2024-25 FINAL FLIP

The Prepared Environment
Thoughtfully Prepared The idea of the prepared environment is Maria Montessoriʼs concept that the environment of the classroom should be designed to meet the developmental needs of the children. Beauty and simplicity make the childrenʼs environment warm and inviting, devoid of clutter and mess. Simply decorated, quality furniture, natural lighting, well-cared for materials, and natural plants lend a calmness to the child, allowing him to feel tranquil and comfortable within his environment.
Structure and Order are key to the success of the Montessori student. The materials are classified, ordered and sequenced according to the childʼs stages of development. This provides the child with
a sense of security allowing her to interact with the environment successfully and comfortably.
Reality is an integral part of the Montessori environment. The environment is real and functional: Tables, chairs, sinks and shelves are child-sized. Real food is prepared with real utensils. The child cares for live plants and animals. Stories about real-life adventures are preferred over fairy tales until the child is of kindergarten age.
Freedom and Discipline is paramount. Children do not need strict discipline imposed on them. Maria Montessori discovered that freedom and discipline go hand in hand. We learn from making mistakes. When the child is free to explore the environment and correct his mistakes, inner peace and discipline emerge. The Montessori environment is designed to nurture the childʼs own inherent need for discipline.
The Montessori Materials are specifically designed for a particular academic concept, each wonderfully inviting, aid the child in his own self-construction. The materials are masterfully designed
to allow the child to work independently and self-correct so that mastery of the concept is fulfilling. This gives the child the “I did it all by myself!” moment.
The Normalized Child having benefited from being in the Montessori environment help create a tranquil environment. Because the Montessori classroom is composed of children from age groups who stay in the class for three years, there are always older students in the classroom who have a positive influence upon the new children. The normalized children serve as mentors and are wonderful role models for the younger children. New arrivals to the classroom transition easily with good leaders to show the way.
The Uninterrupted Work Cycle is a two and one half to three hour work cycle in which the children have uninterrupted time to choose, work, complete their lessons. This all begins with the child choosing, doing, returning to order, feeling satisfaction, then choosing again. All while the teacher is presenting new lessons to individuals or small groups of children.
The uninterrupted work cycle allows the children to continue lengthening their attention span and building good work habits.