The Classroom

The Montessori Classroom is typically referred to as a Prepared Environment because it is thoughtfully constructed to meet the child's developmental needs. The materials in it are purposely selected because of the specific skills they teach the child, and they help the child to correct himself though his own work.  The environment is divided into different areas (shown below). Everything in the classroom is designed for the child's exploration!

Children in the classroom are mingled in a mixed age group. All the children work in the classroom and are not segregated by age. This arrangement fosters the learning of collaboration, cooperation, and peer learning. Younger children are exposed to the older children's work, and are quick to learn what their classmates are doing!

Most lessons in the environment are given on a one-on-one basis. This ensures that the child receives the teacher's full attention while she presents a new material. After the lesson, the teacher carefully monitors the child's repetition and mastery over the material.