Bulletin Boards and Class Decor in the Montessori Environment

I admit it; I am hooked. Ever since my invitation to join Pinterest, it has become one of my favorite time wasters. Like any good thing, I have had to severely limit myself to small amounts of time and only after my work and homework are done!

The uncluttered, calming environment of the Montessori classroom helps students focus on the materials without distraction

Being a Montessori educator, I frequently find myself perusing the Education category. It is very easy to become tempted by the cute bulletin board and classroom décor ideas. There are welcome banners, posters, and so many colorful decorations it makes me feel like a kid in a candy store. Remember the looks on the children’s faces in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, when the children see the River of Chocolate and edible flowers and grass for the first time? They are totally overwhelmed. I can certainly relate, as I see all the classroom décor ideas and think, “I have to have it!” And then I realize, if my senses are overwhelmed, the children must be, too.
Children with attention disorders have a hard enough time focusing and concentrating without being constantly bombarded by the visual stimulus in the classroom.

Bulletin Boards and Class Decor in the Montessori Prepared Environment

The Montessori school and classroom environment is one that promotes peace and tranquility. The use of natural wood shelves and materials along with soft neutral paint is meant to soothe the senses and attract the children to the Montessori materials and not to the decorations on the wall. Dr. Montessori said that her materials were to beckon the children to come use them. If the décor in the class is overwhelming, the materials remain unnoticed. The use of natural materials such as wood, bamboo, and fabric inspire not only a sense of beauty, but also a sense of respect and reverence for nature.

When you first walk into a Montessori classroom, you notice right away that it is different. Visitors often breathe a small sigh and visibly relax. Adults and children are drawn in because it is so peaceful and uncluttered.

The prepared Montessori environment incorporates natural materials such as wood shelving

When I first started teaching in the Montessori environment, I will admit I was a bit underwhelmed. I missed my conventional trappings and decorations. I developed an appreciation, though when I saw firsthand the effect it had on the children. My classroom was neat, open, and airy; it did not have the cluttered, “not enough room” feeling that my traditional classrooms had. I found I did not need all the stimulus. Now, when I walk in a conventional classroom, my senses feel assaulted by all the “stuff” on the walls, hanging from the ceiling, and covering all the surfaces. When I walk into my Montessori classroom I am confident that the décor that is there serves a purpose, as it draws the eye to the Montessori materials and fills the soul with a sense of calm and purpose.

As much as possible, NAMC’s web blog reflects the Montessori curriculum as provided in its teacher training programs. We realize and respect that Montessori schools are unique and may vary their schedules and offerings in accordance with the needs of their individual communities. We hope that our readers will find our articles useful and inspiring as a contribution to the global Montessori community.
© North American Montessori Center - originally posted in its entirety at Montessori Teacher Training on Wednesday, September 5, 2012.