The Montessori philosophy centers on the idea that the environment is the “Third Teacher.” Whether inside the home or out in the garden, a prepared space should foster independence, order, and a sense of wonder.
Here is a concise guide to preparing your Montessori spaces.
1. Indoor Preparation: The Sanctuary of Order
Indoor spaces should prioritize accessibility and Beauty. The goal is for the child to navigate their day with minimal adult intervention.
- Child-Sized Accessibility: Swap heavy toy boxes for low, open shelves. Use low stools and floor beds to ensure everything is within their reach.
- The Principle of Order: Every object should have a designated “home.” Use trays or baskets to keep activities self-contained and visually organized.
- Freedom within Limits: Offer a limited selection of high-quality, “real” materials (wood, glass, metal) rather than an overwhelming amount of plastic.
- Practical Life Stations: Create a small cleaning station with a child-sized broom or a snack station where they can pour their own water.
2. Outdoor Preparation: The Prepared Yard
The Montessori outdoor environment isn’t merely for “running off energy”; it is an extension of the classroom in which children engage in Gross Motor and Nature Study activities.
- Gross Motor Challenges: Provide opportunities for “maximum effort.” This includes heavy lifting (small watering cans), climbing, balancing, and hauling.
- Care of the Environment: Set up a “Nature Station.” Include child-sized rakes, shovels, and a small garden plot where they are responsible for planting and weeding.
- Observation Tools: Encourage scientific inquiry by providing a magnifying glass, an insect net, or a bird feeder at eye level.
- Sensory Richness: Incorporate a “Mud Kitchen” or a sand/water table. These enable open-ended sensory exploration and the introduction of mathematical concepts (volume/weight).
Summary Checklist
| Feature | Indoor Focus | Outdoor Focus |
| Furniturre | Low shelves, floor mats | Benches, sturdy stumps |
| Activity | Concentration & Fine Motor | Exploration & Gross Motor |
| Tools | Trays, baskets, small jugs | Shovels, buckets, wheelbarrows |
| Aesthetic | Calm, neutral, minimal | Wild, sensory, biological |
Montessori Holistic Learning 