The necessary condition for the existence of peace and joy is the awareness that peace and joy are available. ~ Thich Nhat Hanh, Present Moment Wonderful Moment: Mindfulness Verses for Daily Living.
When we speak of a prepared Montessori environment, we often think of the preparation of the teacher and the materials. But it goes much deeper than that. Before we put materials on shelves, before we cut paper and sharpen pencil crayons, before we fill small pitchers with colored water, we prepare ourselves and the Montessori physical environment.
There is no prescription for a ‘typical’ Montessori classroom. The teacher’s own personality is reflected in the choice of decor. However, there is one prevailing thought; we create a space that both calms the soul and satisfies the innate desire for order.
When creating a peaceful environment, consider the following:
The Peaceful Montessori Classroom: Prepared Environment Design
- Order, cleanliness and beauty above all
- Plenty of open space for children to move around easily and comfortably
- Classical Artwork – paintings (Maria Montessori preferred pictures of children or mothers and children), prints, sculptures.
- Portraits of Peacemakers such as Maria Montessori, Mahatma Gandhi, the Dali Lama
- Bouquets of fresh flowers
- Living plants and animals
- A quiet indoor water fountain
- Neutral colors on walls; the focus should be on the Montessori learning material
- Variety in texture and color of furnishings
- Fabric tablecloths and curtains
- Natural wood furniture
- Symbols of Love, Friendship, and Peace
Here are comments from a Montessori teacher reflecting on the prepared environment:
”One of the things I really love about the Montessori environment is that it is arranged specifically for the needs of children. Everything — the materials, the child-size furniture, the space — is designed for them. And I believe that the children really sense this. They feel that the space is theirs, that it is made for them, to be occupied and used by them. They feel cared for and protected. The environment says to them: “You are important.” And finally, I have to say that as a teacher, I really enjoy preparing the environment. I like the sense of order. The process improves my understanding of what children like and what they respond to. An ordered environment makes it easier for me to watch, follow, and help promote each child's progress.
Source: NAMC interview with Rebecca Slosky, 2006
Resources
- The NAMC Classroom Guides provide detailed information about the Montessori prepared environment.
- The Peaceful Classroom, by Charles A. Smith, PhD
- Other books on Montessori education and peace: Parent Child Press
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, March 17, 2010.
© North American Montessori Center - originally posted in its entirety at Montessori Teacher Training on Wednesday, March 17, 2010.
I read the article on the peaceful Montessori classroom and I am so glad that NAMC has information out there to aid the teachers in general towards finding harmony for the children.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words!
ReplyDeleteThis is so true. Preparing a beautiful, ordered, clean environment for children makes them feel not only welcome, but like it is for them. It is incredible on giving students their own spaces to care for and use promotes peace and order among an otherwise chaotic classroom environment. Children can do numerous different things at any given moment.
ReplyDeleteI know that I am not the most organized person, and going through this program I have become more inspired to each day put together a more organized classroom that creates the type of peaceful environment that is necessary for my students to thrive. Since I have done this, I notice that my students take more pride in their work and the classroom environment.
ReplyDeleteI have recently moved from a Montessori Preschool for aged 3 to six years, to a mainstream primary school. I was awarded my full time teaching position wef term three this year and in my class I have children aged 5 - 7. I currently follow the New Zealand Primary School Curriculum and when taking over the class, I gave it a good clean and revamp!. Even though mine is not a Montessori classroom, I have still organized it in a similar manner. I take great pride in having a clean, aesthetically pleasing, ordered classroom. I have a language area with languages games and activities set up neatly on trays, I have a library corner with a comfy couch and some neutral beanbags, I have a maths area, where all my maths activities are set up neatly on trays, and I have an art area with lots of equipment and resources readily available to the children. I have also created a selection of advanced practical life activities and activities that will develop fine motor skills. I have put forward a proposal to the school to set up a junior Montessori classroom for next year and am currently awaiting their response. However in the interim I have had wonderful feedback from the children, my teaching colleagues and the parents. I have found that the work I have put into preparing the environment has had huge benefits for the children, and that the children have become really responsible in taking care of it for themselves. The environment is calm, ordered and welcoming, and this is reflected in the children's behaviour and attitude to learning. In my experience of teaching, I can't stress how valuable a carefully prepared learning environment is - no matter what the educational setting!
ReplyDeleteI love the way you describe the classroom. I was trained in public education and am now getting my Montessori training. I have a lot to learn and unlearn. Reading all the information has given me the insight to change or add several things to my classroom. As I read, I have been highlighting and starring information about things I can change or include. For example, I plan to get a hanging plant to hang in front of the window. For a pet, I thought I would start out with a beta fish so it is easy for students to take home on weekends and holidays. We have a garden plot which I plan to have the children plant various kinds of flowers in. Then we can have fresh cut flowers in the classroom. I am also going to revamp my space to add a peace place. I will make a lace curtain for the window, hang the plant, have a wind chime at student's level, a small candle which I will light each morning, and a small vase of flowers. I would like to also add a bean bag or large pillow to sit on. These are some small but effective changes I can make. The harder ones are to talk less and show more. I am not a neat person though I am organized. my classroom is ordered, but often my desk has piles of stuff I am working on. I am not setting a good example for the students. This course has helped me to take a critical look at myself, my teaching and my environment and I desire to change much. The classroom is easier. I am a work in progress.
DeleteI love the way you describe the classroom. I was trained in public education and am now getting my Montessori training. I have a lot to learn and unlearn. Reading all the information has given me the insight to change or add several things to my classroom. As I read, I have been highlighting and starring information about things I can change or include. For example, I plan to get a hanging plant to hang in front of the window. For a pet, I thought I would start out with a beta fish so it is easy for students to take home on weekends and holidays. We have a garden plot which I plan to have the children plant various kinds of flowers in. Then we can have fresh cut flowers in the classroom. I am also going to revamp my space to add a peace place. I will make a lace curtain for the window, hang the plant, have a wind chime at student's level, a small candle which I will light each morning, and a small vase of flowers. I would like to also add a bean bag or large pillow to sit on. These are some small but effective changes I can make. The harder ones are to talk less and show more. I am not a neat person though I am organized. my classroom is ordered, but often my desk has piles of stuff I am working on. I am not setting a good example for the students. This course has helped me to take a critical look at myself, my teaching and my environment and I desire to change much. The classroom is easier. I am a work in progress.
DeleteThis comments from the Montessori teacher touches on something that I always found so essential: “One of the things I really love about the Montessori environment is that it is arranged specifically for the needs of children. Everything — the materials, the child-size furniture, the space — is designed for them. And I believe that the children really sense this. They feel that the space is theirs, that it is made for them, to be occupied and used by them. They feel cared for and protected. The environment says to them: “You are important.” I would even add the environment says “you are important”, and the kids feel empowered and responsible for their environment in return. My daughter is not in a Montessori school, and I see her struggle with chairs too heavy, tables too high, the absence of mirror at child height in the bathroom, the fact that the sinks are too high (so water is dripping down her arms when she washes her hands). These are examples of how her environment is not conveying the right message but instead telling her: you don’t belong here, you are not the right size yet, you are not respected enough, … How could she feel empowered and responsible? It’s almost as if the environment was telling her “it’s ok if you drop your towel on the floor instead of putting it in the bin, anyway the bin is too high for you.” Instilling that sense of respect, mutual respect, is important and not so costly or hard to achieve, so I wonder why so many traditional schools are still lacking behind in that area. I am preparing a suggestion email for our school, with an action plan and estimated budget to help them improve at least the toilet area.
ReplyDeleteI feel inspired to rearrange my classroom, I am loving the format of presentation and the freedom to share thoughts openly as I embark on this great journey with my students. I am finding it difficult to contain some of my curiosity already and want to see it all unfold...at its own pace of course. : )
ReplyDeleteThe Montessori Classroom not only reflects good common sense, to make the work not the walls the main focus, but the atmosphere in which this is to be done. A clean organized uncluttered environment helps the student to focus. This philosophy works at home just as well as at school. in our house we have very few pictures and decorations out, we made out countertops of stone look tiles, and have oak cabinets and flooring, and the colours are soft and reflect nature. People often mention how peaceful our home is. Simple really is easier to live in, clean and maintain and sets the atmosphere up to be clear. I look forward to when the class room area will be done. (we are in the midst of renovations)
ReplyDeleteI truly believe that a classroom design affects student learning. When I was teaching in Saudi Arabia, many of the classrooms didn't have many resources for the students such as a classroom library, shelving with manipulatives and teaching material as well as posters on the walls. Out of my own pocket, I bought tons of books, puzzles, games and created posters and visuals to display around my classroom. When I started adding more and more resources in my classroom, I noticed that the students got excited seeing books, a reading corned, and shelves full of activities that they could use. There were students who were not even in my classroom who would walk in and just look around my room and say that they wished they were in my classroom because it looked like fun. Things I put up such as a word wall, science posters and sample of students work kept the students stimulated and made them independent as they didn't have to always come to me for spelling or information, they could use the word wall, posters, books, dictionaries and other resources around the classroom to help them.
ReplyDeleteThe Montessori classroom in which I work is a beautiful and inspiring place to spend my weekdays. I can feel the thoughtful way that the room was decorated and organized by our director many years ago. What is best for the children who come into our school is always her first concern. She works hard to make sure the classroom closely follows the suggestions that Maria Montessori made for designing a classroom that's meant to be an environment that inspires learning. I see the proof everyday...the colorful and organized materials inspire curiosity, the child-sized furniture gives them a comfortable place to work, the plants and animals provide a feeling of bringing the outside into the classroom. Dr. Montessori understood what kind of environment children need in order to become their best selves!
ReplyDeleteThis article hits on several key aspects of how to promote a peaceful classroom environment. I think that another one of the key factors of a peaceful classroom is focusing on normalization activities at the very beginning of the school year. Once a child is normalized they are better able to be influenced by the prepared environment as well as care for it. By making normalization a priority goal for your classroom community you are preparing the child to utilize the prepared environment to it fullest!
ReplyDeleteThe way the classroom is set up is so key to children, it really does affect the way they learn and behave. What seem like subtle things to adults are huge indicators to children, they really have a sixth sense when it comes to feeling out a space. A Montessori prepared environment is keyed right in to that sense of theirs, everything down to the fresh flowers on the table are there to make the children more at ease and peaceful in the classroom. It all goes back to the child being the foreground of classroom, not the teacher.
ReplyDeleteThe prepared environment truly is the key to a Montessori school. It's the first impression new prospective parents get. The small or low furniture really excites the children when they first see it. And each material having a logical place makes everything that much easier for the children as well as the teachers. The most noticeable difference between a prepared environment and non-prepared environment is the tone. Preparedness makes everyone calmer and more focused while an environment that looks chaotic will often be chaotic. I like the idea of the peace poll, although it is not something I have at my school. I think I may find a way to put the saying inside my classroom somewhere.
ReplyDeleteI have worked in a few different Montessori schools. Some authentic Montessori and some just Montessori based. In saying that, I have found that when I am in a true Montessori classroom it is obvious that there is a trained teacher who has set up the environment properly. And I have found that when children work in a pristine orderly carefully tended and well thought out environment - the thrive much more easily. The classrooms that have been bombarded with stuff with materials that were missing pieces or there is no rotation of materials or it is just cluttered - the children struggle and so does the teacher. I am fortunate to have seen both sides of this issue. Having the skills and knowledge to truly prepare one's classroom so that it is beautiful and functional in all ways Montessori is an art.
ReplyDeleteI do agree with you. You see and feel a difference and it's obvious that if we struggle as an adult in a crumbled environment, a child will find it hard too.
DeleteIn many mainstream classrooms, the spaces seem very 'slapped together', the furniture is often not very child friendly and the is often not able to be moved easily by the students. Classrooms in primary schools often seem like a bit of a clutter as well with many colorful things hanging everywhere, making the classroom seem fairly busy and a little chaotic. With the chaotic look in the classroom it is no wonder that students are often not able to be very focused or ordered in the way they do things. It is sometimes said that a cluttered work space is an indication of a cluttered mind, and while that is a fairly unscientific connection to make, I feel there is some truth to it. Our environment does impact the way we feel and behave. An ordered environment which has a clear and wholesome focus, such as the focus on the Montessori education materials or artwork that conveys a sense of peace can have an instant affect on a persons feelings. One need only walk into a spiritual place such as the temple or church of your faith to understand the instant feeling of peace and calm a building can have if it is set up in that way. In my Buddhist practice I know that when I am in a temple with the statue of Buddha and the smell of incense I feel immediately calmer and more at peace, so I understand firsthand how important the set up of an area and its environment is.
ReplyDeleteI have read the article and appreciate your input on classroom environment design. As a teacher in the Montessori classroom I have seen the purpose of a peaceful and well thought out environment. The design is important for the Montessori system because it allows children to achieve many different tasks and gives children to to move to other areas in the class in order to accomplish work tasks.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this article. I am currently in the NAMC training and starting my first year as a Montessori teacher at the same time. I have taught traditional schooling for 16 years and I am so excited to learn a new method. This article was helpful for me as a guide or template, if you will, to prepare my environment for the students. I love how it is arranged specifically for the needs of the children and it is so warm and inviting.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful vision, indeed for a prepared environment -a serene, orderly and open space. The serenity and order in the physical environment sets the tone for a calm mind where work can be done be done without distractions. Work leads to peace, as it is ultimately a journey towards one own potential. A person at peace with oneself would be in a better position to find peace in the world we live. Maria Montessori extensively talked about the peace humanity must treasure especially in the last years of her life, when the world was shaken by wars. From the prepared environment to the Peace Pole, everything in the Montessori should strive to reflect peace.
ReplyDeleteI personally love this article. It's in my nature to love organized and clean environment. I thrive to work in a neat and well-prepared classroom. I have the strong feeling the students love it too. Some don't realize it at the beginning but it will stay within them forever. This is a very important learning for the young one. I also believe they learn from observation but also by explanation. We can explain them the purpose of a clean, neat organized, and well prepared classroom. I do have experienced as a specialist in primary classes, all different type of organization and WOW! Sometimes it's incredible how it affects you as a person in your entire body to be in a suffocating environment. It could be as simple as a full garbage, a strong odour, too many papers on desks, tables, too many furnitures, disorganized books on shelves, full of dust, no warm pictures or too many, and cacophony environment. When you experience both side, you understand better the impact of having a peaceful design Montessori classroom. I also think it reflects your inside in a certain manner. The proverb you are what you eat....I think you are what your classroom looks like. It's one more reason why I like Montessori philosophy.
ReplyDeleteI fully embrace the peaceful classroom! I am an organized and tidy person by nature and I think that everyone learns best by working in a clean, distraction free environment. There are enough distractions in the world today, so if the classroom is a place of peace and tranquility the students are much more likely to learn and grow. I believe that the students will feel safe in a clutter free environment and when they feel safe, they trust the adults around them, and as they trust the adults around them and feel safe they are able to focus on their work and their personal development is not hindered.
ReplyDeletePeace in any environment sets the standard and expectation of that space. I would imagine that as an instructor, one would be so focused on finishing preparations for presentations. However, understanding how valuable it is to walk into a space that says, you are welcomed and you can stay and be comfortable gives that person the message that they are important enough to invest time in providing an environment that embraces them. This is in a classroom could only make the room a goldmine for great learning.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with this article; children need to be provided with an environment that is created with them in mind; the classroom and everything in it should be focused on the students, what their needs are and how those needs will be met; furniture and materials need to be arranged in a way that students have full access to them in an easily and orderly manner as to not disturb those who are working. Classroom needs to be kept clean, clutter free and aesthetically pleasing; peace and learning can not happen in a disorganized environment.
ReplyDeleteWithout a peaceful classroom, comes a classroom without peaceful minds. Every time I walk into a cluttered classroom; it stresses me out to no end. I like to enter a classroom every morning and that neat, organized, and ready to go. If I feel like that; I can only imagine how a student would feel entering a classroom in that order every day. With this opening statement being said; I completely agree with this blog entry. Having all of these techniques and inputs within any classroom would lean towards nothing but a positive/peaceful classroom that any student would feel like they could relax and learn endless amounts of knowledge.
ReplyDeleteI do agree that a prepared Montessori environment should be designed for the children. I would suggest for a Montessori classroom to incorporate the students’ artwork on the walls as well as projects they have completed. I think the best way to design a space for the children is to have the children involved directly in its design. It can be made into a class project where students can come up with ideas for certain areas of the classroom and work together to agree upon a design and complete it. This could make the students really feel like the space is their own.
ReplyDeleteThe Peace Pole is something that I have not heard of before and fascinated me. I love that "May Peace Prevail on Earth" in different languages is displayed on the pole. What a statement to all who enter the Montessori environment. The Montessori environment is very peaceful and calming. In the Montessori classroom is very much like home. There is beautiful artwork displayed and neutral colors. Plants and animals pull it all together.
ReplyDeleteI have been teaching in a Montessori school for 5 years. One thing that is really important is to prepare the environment that will cater to the individual needs of the students. Putting everything organized, creates peace and order among your students. As a teacher, we serve as a role model, and students value the order, peace and quiet when being practiced in school. WHo wouldn't want to work on a prepared environment where all areas are suited for all your needs; montessori materials are placed neatly on its respective shelves. The Peace Pole is something that I would like to add into my classroom. From the prepared environment to the Peace Pole, everything in the Montessori should strive to reflect peace.
ReplyDeleteI have a classroom of 23 students, with special needs, multi-age and multi-grade students. My Montessori classroom is in a public school. I would love to establish a Peace Place, a quiet setting in my room. My problem is creating space, when our room is already quite small. Students often work in the hallway because we do not have enough room. Even though I have a small classroom environment, I am planning on incorporating a Peace Place for my students to create a prepared environment for my students. Both children and adults will benefit from a peaceful,learning environment.
ReplyDelete--Veena Black
I have a classroom of 23 students, with special needs, multi-age and multi-grade students. My Montessori classroom is in a public school. I would love to establish a Peace Place, a quiet setting in my room. My problem is creating space, when our room is already quite small. Students often work in the hallway because we do not have enough room. Even though I have a small classroom environment, I am planning on incorporating a Peace Place for my students to create a prepared environment for my students. Both children and adults will benefit from a peaceful,learning environment.
ReplyDeleteI agree that when you walk into a Montessori classroom it is truly a peaceful place for the students to live and work in. It is clean, organized, safe, and an inviting environment. It is to be proud of and the students enjoy looking after it!
ReplyDeleteThe peaceful environment of the Montessori classroom is what always wants me to stay longer during my volunteer position. Whenever I am done working with the children that need extra help, I hardly want to leave this calm and peaceful classroom. There is just something about the Montessori classroom dynamic that is not found in most conventional classrooms, and it is so inspiring.
ReplyDeleteI really like the peace pole and maybe i could suggest something similar to our school!
ReplyDeleteA peaceful, beautiful environment is so important to learning. When students enjoy coming into the classroom and feel safe within it they can better open themselves up to learning. The idea of creating a space that is representative of calm and peace really gets at the heart of modeling what you preach. I also love the idea of a school peace pole. I'm not sure what the reality is of having one like the pole pictured but I'm going to think creatively about what we might do that could have the same symbolism.
ReplyDeleteThis blog post came into my life at just the right time! I am feeling overwhelmed at the idea of going back to school and preparing my classroom, but this post helps to put it all into perspective and to remember simplicity, beauty, and order. Last year was my first year as a Montessori teacher and I was replacing someone who did not care for the classroom properly, so it was a huge undertaking and I was basically clueless as to what I needed and what I didn't. Having started my NAMC training this summer though, I feel so much more prepared to go in and truly design an environment suitable for the students that are going to be in it.
ReplyDeleteI am so grateful to work in a school with a peace pole, flags of the world hanging throughout and a Montessori mission statement. It is a public Montessori and while every teacher is Montessori trained, loyalty to the method varies teacher to teacher. I have inherited a lovely room that looks very 'Montessori'. The prepared environment was not hard for me to embrace as i readied my room last summer. I know it will be a gradual process for me to shift my methods as I complete my own training. It is often the case in public education that we get 'stuck' pushing for innovation in a system that won't budge. I have finally landed somewhere where the stated aims align with my own. This seems the ideal conditions to create the peace necessary for a truly prepared environment.
ReplyDeleteA Montessori school have such great preparation and discipline with the students being able to work where they chose, while using materials that will help them with their lessons. One thing I do not have in my room is a picture of the Peace Pole. That will remind my students of all things Montessori. Thank you for that great idea.
ReplyDeleteI love how the Montessori classroom is beautiful and peaceful. The children take pride and respect the materials. I like the ideas of having pictures of children, peace, and Maria Montessori for the classroom. I am wanting to add a pet to my classroom.
ReplyDeleteI love how the Montessori classroom is peaceful and beautiful
ReplyDeleteI love these comments. I've recently been asking to help in my church nursery (18 months-3 years) and more and more I've realized that I need to apply what I know professionally to this assignment. All of these suggestions have really helped me go back to the basics and prepare my heart and my environment to make that classroom as successful and peaceful as possible. I love how Montessori elements can be applied everywhere if we choose to be intentional about it.
ReplyDeleteI love these comments. I've recently been asking to help in my church nursery (18 months-3 years) and more and more I've realized that I need to apply what I know professionally to this assignment. All of these suggestions have really helped me go back to the basics and prepare my heart and my environment to make that classroom as successful and peaceful as possible. I love how Montessori elements can be applied everywhere if we choose to be intentional about it.
ReplyDelete