Did you know there is a specific way to set up Montessori classrooms? In this post, I’ll outline the critical elements of a typical Montessori classroom and discuss how each element plays a vital role in the overall learning environment.
So how are Montessori classrooms set up? Montessori classroom is carefully set up to accommodate a Montessori children to have peaceful and safe learning where they can explore by themselves. Some of the setups in a Montessori classroom are a well-organized class, a quiet and calm environment, and artworks on the wall, among others.
Classroom Layout
A Montessori classroom is designed to encourage freedom of movement and independence. The classroom layout should be flexible, letting students move freely between different locations as they grow in ability.
There are no assigned seats or desks, so you can arrange the furniture in a way that makes sense for your students’ needs.
It’s also essential to create an organized space where each child can easily find the materials they need without interrupting anyone else’s work.
This helps children build self-confidence and independence by allowing them to explore their environment on their terms while still having access to support from their teachers when needed.
Classroom Zones
The teacher’s desk is found in the center of the room with a bookshelf behind it and two chairs on either side.
The child’s work area is directly in front of the teacher’s desk. This area has a table with two chairs, one for the child and one for their helper or parent during classroom time.
The Playing Area
The child’s play area can be located close to their work area; they may choose to use this space as they wish while not actively learning.
For example, they might want to build an imaginary city or play with building blocks or puppets as part of their free play time during class periods at school but will still have access to these things if needed throughout each day.
The Sleeping Area
The sleeping area must be placed out of sight by both students and teachers so that no one feels uncomfortable during their nap after lunch break every day.
This means that it should be located outside main activity areas like kitchens/bathrooms/etc., allowing everyone else plenty of space while preventing any encounters between napping children.
Montessori Classroom Furniture
They should be safe and durable, so your students can sit or work in their seats without worrying about the danger.
The montessori furniture should be functional, so your students can easily access the materials they need at any given point during class time.
They should be aesthetically pleasing because you’ll want to enjoy looking at this space daily and because it reflects your philosophy.
Large and Small Group Areas
The large group area is where children work together during activities that involve more than one child at a time.
This might include working on puzzles or reading stories out loud together.
The small group area is where children work with each other on smaller activities such as coloring or playing with shapes.
The large and small groups are separate but not entirely separate. All the children in the class can access them at any time and may choose which space they would like to use for their current activity.
Presentation Area
The presentation area is where the teacher will be presenting a lesson. It is usually on top of a table and includes materials for the lesson.
For example, if you’re teaching about birds, your presentation area might include bird cards with different species and information about each one.
Living Plants
Living plants are an important addition to any Montessori classroom. Plants have a calming effect on children and can be used as a visual aid in teaching about life cycles, pollination, and photosynthesis.
The presence of living plants also helps create a connection between the indoor and outdoor environments.
There Are Artworks on the Wall
Artwork is a part of the curriculum and can be used in many ways to teach children about the world. Artwork can also help children learn about themselves, and it helps them understand other people as well.
There are many different kinds of artworks that you should consider in your classroom: paintings, drawings, sculptures, and more.
You may also use pictures from magazines or books that show items that would interest your child.
Use of Natural and Real-Life Materials Rather Than Pretend
Real objects can be touched, smelled, tasted (if food), and seen. Children enjoy interacting with real things because they are not as predictable as toys or books.
Additionally, children learn by doing rather than simply observing what adults do.
This can help them develop motor skills early on in life to become better prepared for later years when learning becomes more abstract.
It Has Resources That Appeal to All Five Senses
Montessori classrooms are filled with Resources that appeal to all five senses. In fact, rather than using pretend toys, the Montessori classroom is filled with real objects and materials.
This means that when children explore in their classrooms, they learn through their senses rather than just with their minds.
For example, when you first walk into a Montessori classroom, it will smell like freshly cut grass or the ocean breeze.
It will feel cool and damp on a hot summer day or soft under your feet after being swept clean by a dustpan.
The colors around you will be bright but not overwhelming, there might be some music in the background playing.
Has Storage for Children’s Stuff
Children need to have a place where they can store their things. This will help them feel more independent and responsible, essential character traits to develop at this age.
If a child has a hard time putting something away, you may want to provide some options for how the child can store their things. You could provide baskets or shelves that children can use as storage spaces.
Another thing you should consider when thinking about classroom organization is making sure that every child has an adequate amount of space for him or herself in the classroom.
Summary
I hope this has given you some ideas to consider as you prepare your Montessori classroom.
The Montessori method is designed for children to learn and play in a calm environment with minimal distractions such as loud noises or bright lights.
Therefore before you take your child to a Montessori school, ensure it has all these setups to give them an easy and enjoyable time during their learning.
FAQs
What are Montessori shelves? These are shelves that are used to keep Montessori toys and activities that encourage independence, accountability, and interest.
What is the Montessori playroom? This is a well-organized environment that encourages concentration and independence.