The Prepared Environment
Posted September 4th, 2009 by admin“The first aim of the prepared environment is, as far as it is possible, to render the growing child independent of the adult. ”
-Maria Montessori
One of the main concepts which defines the Montessori philosophy is that of the prepared environment. Dr. Montessori emphasized the importance of creating a learning environment that allows children to explore independently. Children should be able to freely move from one activity to another with very little teacher interruption. For the Montessori directress, preparing the environment is one of the primary responsibilities; however, it is also one of the most wonderful and inspiring activities in which one can partake.
As the new school year begins and I complete the preparation of my learning space, I reflect on how exciting it is to carefully construct the activities for each area of the classroom. Placing items on shelves may seem mundane to some, but it is actually one of the greatest joys in being a Montessori teacher!