The Montessori environment is beautiful in its simplicity.Colours are everywhere, bright and harmoniously blended; and everything kept spotlessly clean and shining.There is a place for everything and everything is in its place. “The best for the smallest”, was always Dr. Montessori’s motto.
The Montessori environment is fondly called The House of Children and is decorated like one would decorate a home. Pleasant and beautiful wall hangings or pictures are hung at the child’s eye level that they will enfold it in their hearts in simple piety. So much for the environment.
A lot of thoughtful planning goes into the setting up of a House of Children. The equipment in the House – the furniture, the mats, the black board, the soft board, the hangers, the sinks, wash basins are all put up / made proportionate to the size of the children since it satisfies the need they have for moving about intelligently.
The outdoor environment is an extension of the indoors. Just like the indoor environment, the outdoors is also planned in such a way that it supplies children with interesting information and motives for action such as:
*exploring and observing plant life
*taking care of plants
*picking up twigs
*sweeping up dried leaves
*art work
*hanging out wet towels etc..
Children are filled with delight when working outdoors. The outdoors also provides them the opportunity to ponder upon and experience the simple joys of everyday life.No adult dictates the child’s posture. The child thus peacefully follows the dictates of nature.
The environment contains the material for learning. These are scientifically prepared materials designed by Dr. Montessori. Through her observation and research she discovered that for the young child,the hands are the instruments of learning. Thus in the House of Children, we do not give anything to the child’s intellect before it is first given to his hands.
Each environment comprises mixed age group children. The environment provides the child the freedom, time and scope to work and construct himself.The child has a need to observe, to reflect, to learn, to concentrate, to isolate himself and also from time to time to suspend his activities in silence.
Note: The content in red are quoted from Dr. Montessori's book.
