The Montessori Classroom

The learning environment for children can have a transformational role in how they learn and how well they are able to absorb and make sense of what they learn. This environment is what the Montessori classroom offers.​

The Prepared Environment​
.The prepared environment is designed for each level of a child’s development. As children move from one level to the next, the environment which is necessary to make the learning process effective is made available and is designed to address the specific needs of every child based on their development and unique interests. Montessori prepared environments create an atmosphere where children are free to direct their energies in the direction (and way) which is most productive for them.

Maria Montessori developed this approach as she recognized that a child’s environment can be set up in a way that it encourages the child to build confidence in their abilities and decision-making prowess when it comes to exploration and learning.

Discovery and Engaged Learning​
The Montessori classroom is designed to encourage children to explore and interact with the prepared environment and does so by fully engaging the mind and the body of each student. Since children are allowed wide latitude and autonomy in their approach to learning, they are naturally drawn to what fits their person and personality the best. This is where the Montessori classroom is fundamentally different than the traditional one—it allows children to arrive at the answer through their own unique discovery process.

This self-guided method of discovery spurs self-confidence, and a desire to pursue answers and solutions as a lasting approach to learning, self-determination, and personal growth.

​Freedom of Choice Guided by Imagination
​The Montessori classroom provides students the freedom necessary to use their imagination to solve problems and to learn. Even though the Montessori learning process provides great freedom in both thought and movement, it does so in a framework which also develops a child’s social and interpersonal skills. Any inner or social conflict is resolved through learning how to self-regulate, compromise, and negotiate in a (mostly) independent fashion.

It is important to clearly understand that the freedom afforded to the students in a Montessori classroom is framed within clear yet pliable (when necessary) boundaries. This approach allows for the autonomy necessary to reach and react to boundaries as well as consequences of decisions and actions in a productive way.

​Respect for Peers and Teachers
​The Montessori learning environment helps children learn valuable life lessons by design. One of the most important things that they get to develop is respect for not only teachers but also their peers. The respect for others provides the bedrock for relaxed and highly fruitful learning atmosphere. Learning this skill is not only helpful in creating a happy classroom, but it also positively impacts other social interactions outside of school.

​The Montessori Teacher
​A Montessori teacher goes through a two-year training program which builds upon their natural curiosity. In addition to learning about the intricacies of the Montessori teaching process, they study and gain a highly honed skills in child development. The studies also include the philosophy and science behind the Montessori-specific activities and ways of teaching.