The Montessori Classroom
The Montessori environment is carefully prepared. The materials are attractively arranged on individual trays or in boxes which are placed on low shelves, easily accessible to the children. The teacher varies the materials according to the needs and interests of the children.
The materials are precisely made and designed to isolate the tasks being taught. They are self-correcting, so the child may discover his own errors and manipulate the activity to make corrections without adult interference. Activities are placed on the shelf in sequence according to their purpose and difficulty. Thus children in various developmental stages can find work to meet their needs and abilities.
Intellectual exercises are made available to the children through the Montessori classroom because of their interest in conscious, constructive activity. There are no pressures put on the child to learn. The Montessori method is oriented toward the experience of learning rather than its product. The children learn HOW to learn and thus acquire a joy for learning which stays with them throughout their educational career.
The children in a Montessori classroom are of mixed ages, so they feel less need for competition and are more inclined toward cooperation. Socialization takes place naturally and pleasurably. The range of abilities of the children leads to peer teaching, which fosters a positive self image.
The teacher moves about the room quietly, observing the children in activity, and intervening only when necessary. The role of the teacher is to act as a link between the child and the environment; it is the child’s interaction with the environment which teaches.