The “prepared environment” is Dr. Maria Montessori’s concept for education defines an environment that is structured in such as way that it facilitates maximum independent learning and exploration by the child. There is a variety of activity, movement and understanding in the prepared environment. When you pass out from Montessori teacher training programs, you will be both the as the preparer and communicator of the environment to the child. You will also be responsible for maintaining the entire ambience of the classroom and be in charge to create the prepared environment. It will be done in a way where every child will get the freedom to completely develop their unique potential through appropriate sensorial materials. These study and learning materials range from simple to complex, concrete to abstract, and will be age appropriate for each kid.
In the Montessori classrooms, matching the developmental needs and interests of each individual child, you will find be assigning lessons, activities, and tools which match. What makes the Montessori training interesting is that not every child will be interested in every available lesson. This is why, as the mentor, you have to understand who will gravitate towards what kind of lesson naturally.
Many parents find themselves wondering what sets Montessori childcare unique from your the others such as an average daycare center or preschool. Possibly the most striking difference is any traditional childcare center is lively, loud, and messy while a Montessori classroom is peaceful, quiet, and orderly. What makes the difference is the prepared environment as prescribed by Dr. Maria Montessori.
What is the Prepared Environment?
In her book, The Secret of Childhood, Dr. Montessori described the goal of the prepared environment as follows: “The first aim of the prepared environment is, as far as it is possible, to render the growing child independent of the adult.” It is one of the core components of the Montessori philosophy and right the learning environment is everything you should provide to foster independent learning and exploration.
Key components of the Prepared Environment
Freedom – One of the key goals of a Montessori prepared environment is freedom of choice. The online Montessori teacher training programs helps you understand what and why is child's freedom to exploration, freedom of movement, freedom to interact socially important. It also provides a space which is free from the interference from others.
Beauty – In a prepared environment, there should be invitation for learning. The atmosphere, thus, must be prepared beautifully and simplistically, which can evoke tranquility, peace, and harmony. It should be well-maintained and uncluttered.
Structure and Order – The idea behind this principle is to help the kids understand the structure and order of the universe, and that in turn will help the child to internalize the order of his surroundings. In the long run, it will start making sense of everything world around him.
Nature and Reality – Dr. Montessori believed that nature can inspire children. That’s why Montessori teachers should regularly use natural learning materials in the prepared environment. These can be wood, bamboo, metal, cotton, and glass, instead of synthetics or plastics. The materials must be made to scale that fits the child-size.
Social Environment – The prepared environment must also support social development and constantly encourage interaction with the peers. Montessori classrooms foster the development of a sense of empathy and compassion for others and make them more socially aware.
Intellectual Environment – Once all of the above principles are fulfilled, Montessori educators will help them understand the importance of the right intellectual environment that helps develop the whole personality and intellect of the child.
“Obstacles must be reduced to a minimum and surrounding should provide the necessary means for the exercise of those activities which develop a child’s energies” – Maria Montessori.
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