Prepared Environment

THE PREPARED ENVIRONMENT

As her research evolved, Dr. Montessori discovered that children developed best in a prepared environment that allowed them to exercise their natural curiosity. She recognized this natural curiosity was the child's desire to learn. During this period, she proved that the classroom environment could be designed to facilitate maximum independent learning and exploration by the child. She also proved that children prosper best in an environment that included a three year age span of children, with the teacher acting as a guide, rather than presenting lessons to be memorized. Under these conditions, the younger children learned from the older children, and the older children became more responsible and confident as they recognized their roles as mentors to the younger children.

In the prepared environment, there is a variety of activity as well as opportunities for a great deal of movement. Children, with their natural desire to learn, quickly assume the role of students, exploring their surroundings, acquiring knowledge and self-confidence with each new step.

• Dr. Maria Montessori
• Montessori Education
• The Prepared Environment
• Montessori is for All Ages