The Montessori Classroom

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Three characteristics identify a Montessori school:

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A Prepared Environment

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This aids a child’s development, getting them to do things for themselves, freeing them to learn through activity in orderly and inviting surroundings adapted to their size and interests. The classroom invites activity by ensuring that everything has its place, and that the environment is as accessible as possible for children to work in. Taking personal responsibility, they can be given the maximum freedom to move and develop.

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The Materials

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The key to the Montessori philosophy is the specifically designed materials. There are specific learning tools for each core area of learning. The wide range of specially designed materials support the individual interests and needs of the child. They are colourful, tactile and radiate quality - helping the child to concentrate on activities, with a purpose to them. By repetition in using the materials they define their sensory appreciation and build up practical competency and knowledge. Children need to successfully build on their previous experiences.

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The Teacher

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They are professionally trained to observe, to respond to the needs of the individual child and to guide rather than control. They are concerned with the total development of the child on all levels: physical, social, emotional, spiritual, creative and intellectual. They are loving, safeguarding and kind and always ready to encourage the child. They will recognise the child’s readiness to move on and in this way are the link between the prepared environment, the materials and the child’s needs. The interplay between the prepared environment, the teacher and the child creates the unique learning situation which is offered at The Montessori School House. Every child in a Montessori environment is an individual and instruction is largely 1:1.