Classroom Environment

The Montessori Classroom is designed with the child in mind. Chairs and tables fit their inhabitants comfortably with feet touching the ground; activities involve active learning; and the environment encourages freedom to move purposefully about to obtain what is needed or wanted. Tables and shelves are placed to facilitate smooth movement throughout the day. With classical music playing in the background, students move about the classroom choosing work, getting materials needed to complete the work, solving problems, and conversing responsibly with their peers.

Work

Activities on the shelves, among others within the classroom, are called “work.” The work is beautifully presented, carefully taught, involves many levels of the curriculum, and awaits the child’s curiosity. Concepts are discovered, challenges are slight, (reducing stress), and love of learning is fostered. Students are taught and encouraged to complete the work cycle with each piece of work chosen. In addition, the work cycle is expected while washing hands, preparing snack, handling needs in the bathroom, or helping one another.

Montessori Guide

The Montessori Teacher has been trained to follow the natural development of the child. Individual lessons are given to each student to ascertain where the student is in his/her development. Upon entering the classroom, the student and teacher greet each other with a handshake, a smile, and a pleasant greeting. The teacher then invites the child to work and the student is left to choose his/her work. During the work period, the teacher gives individual lessons to the students. What better way to learn than to be given an individual lesson and then be left to practice until mastery? Once the teacher observes that the student has mastered the concept, the next lesson in the continuum is given to facilitate the student’s forward progress.