Montessori at Home: Extending the Prepared Environment
Elizabeth Skora Horgan, M.S., Ph. D. • September 28, 2023
What is the prepared environment in Montessori?
The French term mise en place is popular among professional chefs and home cooks alike. It refers to the concept of having the necessary tools and ingredients for a meal prepared and ready to be used before beginning to cook. By having everything set up beforehand, the cook is free to more deeply engage in the work of creating the meal rather than bustling around collecting and preparing ingredients while cooking. This emphasis on order and preparation has value far beyond the kitchen, and is especially important in the Montessori method.
Montessori is often mistaken as a method that allows children to do whatever they want without rules. On the contrary, Montessori offers children a
prepared environment intentionally crafted to meet their developmental needs and foster engaged learning. Within this prepared environment, children have the freedom to explore their interests and advance their development within the limits of the activities provided.
There are six central tenants of the prepared environment, which include:
- Freedom: the child’s freedom to choose activities and work at their own pace, within the constraints of the available options
- Structure and Order: everything has a specific place and purpose, with full accessibility for the child to encourage a sense of competence
- Beauty and Aesthetics: keeping things uncluttered, simple, and lovely with an emphasis on using natural materials
- Reality and Nature: utilizing real-life tools, adapted to child-size, and incorporating elements of nature such as plants
- Intellectual Environment: carefully designed materials that are hands-on and allow for a tangible exploration of abstract concepts
- Social Environment: fostering a sense of community to encourage collaboration
How can you implement aspects of the prepared environment at home?
There are many ways to implement the core tenants of the prepared environment at home for your child. From the playroom to the kitchen, and even in the bathroom, thinking through the ways you can prepare your child’s environment for their optimal functioning and learning can go a long way. Here are a few ideas about how to prepare your home to foster your child’s development and independence:
- Everything has a place, and everything in its place. Set a location for each object your child uses, and practice putting things back where they belong with your child. Order, cleanliness, and routine are important for children’s well-being. Reduce clutter by only providing a limited number of toys and materials at a time. One way to achieve this is through toy rotation. In toy rotation, the environment is prepared by only making few specific toys available to your child at a time, and switching out these toys periodically based on your child’s interests. Try starting with 10 options for play and see how it goes!
- Create accessible and inviting child-sized spaces. Think about your home from your child’s perspective. Put items at your child’s height, and offer tools that are appropriate for their size. For example, you could add a child-sized chair and table in the kitchen for your child to eat their snacks at, a low hanging hook for coats, or a hand-washing station that your child can easily access to care for their own hygiene needs. Hang artwork at the child’s eye level as well to inspire them.
- Keep it close to nature. Incorporate natural elements in the environment such as live plants, fresh flowers, shells, and rocks. Look for toys and tools made with natural materials including wood, glass, or metal. Yes, natural materials may be more likely to break than plastic, but they will also help your child learn a sense of responsibility and pride in their environment.
- Find the beauty in simplicity. Help your child discover a sense of wonder through beautiful, inspiring spaces that are free from clutter. Simplicity has aesthetic appeal for children and beauty is inviting. Soft lighting and colors in your child’s spaces are both visually appealing and can help them concentrate.
- Minds-on play. Select toys that encourage hands-on, open-ended exploration and learning such as art supplies and blocks. There are a variety of Montessori-specific educational materials used in classrooms, such as the pink tower and red rods, but you do not need to purchase these in order to create a Montessori experience at home. There are many materials within Montessori that you may already have around the house. These include puzzles, language cards, and any sensory experiences, which can all promote cognitive development and engage your child in playful learning.
Incorporating even a few elements of the Montessori prepared environment in your home can help support your child in gaining independence and empower them to take agency in their own learning and development. By allowing your child to actively explore their own interests in an intentionally organized space you can inspire a lifelong love of learning for your child.
Starting school is one of the biggest milestones in a child’s early life. For children entering Montessori school, this transition can come as early as the second year of life. The first few weeks in a new school or class are an exciting time of growth and adjustment that can also come with some big feelings (for parents and kids alike!). Having clear expectations and open conversation with your child can help the transition go smoothly for everyone. Here are some key things we recommend keeping in mind as your child starts school: Expect Big Feelings: Transitions are tricky for little ones, and getting out of the car and into the school building can be a big step for your child. Even the most confident kiddos may feel nervous when starting school. Tears, clinging to a parent, or reluctance to say goodbye can be tough to see, but are completely normal in the early weeks of the transition. As the parent, remember that your calmness helps reassure your child that all is well and they will be okay! Talk positively about school and share excitement about your child’s new experiences. Take Time to Learn New Routines: A consistent morning and drop-off routine can help your child adapt more quickly to going to school. Keep your mornings calm and predictable to avoid a rushed drop-off. When you get to school, think about incorporating a special routine you do with your child right before they get out of the car. Then make the drop off short and sweet! Even something as simple as a special phrase or prayer you say before your child exits the car can help them begin to know what to expect. Also, remember that at the beginning of the school year, children are learning new rhythms in the classroom as well. Where to put their things, how to follow the class schedule, and how to choose and complete their work are all big things for your little one. Be patient as your child adjusts. Keep an Open Mind about “Learning”: Remember that in Montessori school, much of the child’s daily work does not look like what you may expect from typical academics. Especially for the toddler class, children spend the majority of their time learning practical life skills, building social skills, practicing courtesy and manners, and engaging in their own self-care. You may not notice dramatic changes in your child’s knowledge or behavior in the first month. Things like putting shoes on and off, cleaning up after snack time, and preparing food are small steps that set the foundation for future learning. Give Social Connections Time to Grow: Some children may connect with their teacher and friends right away, while others may take some more time to join in and build connections. This is completely normal. As children become comfortable with their school community, they will build a sense of security, belonging, and purpose. Give your child time to find their place in the community, and soon they will thrive. Encouraging Independence Gives Children Confidence: Help your child take agency in their own school journey. Encourage them to choose their own clothes and assist them in learning to dress themselves. Include your child in packing their lunch or preparing their school items the night before. Remember why you chose Cross of Life Montessori: Adjustment takes time. But with patience, consistency, and support, the first few weeks at school can build the foundation for years of joy and growth ahead. Children pick up on your emotions and feelings. Even if you are feeling a little bit nervous (which is completely normal!) try to show your child that you are confident in the decision to send them to our school and say goodbye with a smile. They are in wonderful hands! Our teachers have decades of training and practice in helping children adapt to their new environment and are delighted to help your little one find their place. At Cross of Life Montessori, we’re here to walk alongside your family as you adjust to new rhythms, routines, and ways of learning. We’re so excited to participate in your child’s growth and learning! The first few weeks at a new school are a period of adjustment and trust-building as children settle into their new Montessori community. By knowing what to expect and supporting your child with calm routines and encouragement, you can help make the transition to school a positive experience for the whole family. We can’t wait to see your child in class!
The Power of Routine for Young Children–Order, Predictability, and Independence