Montessori pedagogy: why the environment is so important

In Montessori pedagogy, the environment plays a key role in the development and learning of the child. According to Maria Montessori, the environment should be adapted to the needs and interests of the child, in order to allow the child to discover and explore independently.

"Our environment can be seen as a second nature that acts upon us and prepares us for future life. This environment must be adapted to the needs of the child in order to allow him to develop his natural qualities and to blossom fully." (Maria Montessori, "The Child and the Environment")

Here are some of the reasons why the environment is so important in Montessori education:

1- It allows the child to develop independence and autonomy. By providing materials adapted to the child's age and abilities, the child can take ownership of the environment and take initiative.

2- It encourages learning through discovery. In an adapted and structured environment, the child can explore and experiment in a playful and autonomous way, which allows him to discover new things by himself.

3- It creates a reassuring and safe environment for the child. A well-organized and predictable environment allows the child to feel safe and to concentrate on his or her activities.

4-It helps to develop the child's creativity and curiosity. By providing the child with varied and stimulating materials, the child is encouraged to be curious and to express himself creatively.

Would you like to set up a Montessori environment in your home? Here are some things to consider to make it simple:

1-Provide materials that are appropriate to the age and abilities of your child: for example, wooden toys for younger children, building blocks, puzzles, etc. These materials should be within the child's reach and easy to handle.

2-Organize the space into zones: the environment can be organized into different zones, each dedicated to a specific activity (playing, eating, reading, etc.). This allows the child to orientate him/herself and make the space his/her own.

3- Choose furniture at child height: this allows your child to feel independent and to easily access the materials and areas he or she wants to use.

4- Provide a living space and a working space: the living space can, for example, be set up with a dining area and a play area, while the working space can include learning and discovery materials (movable letters, maths materials, etc.).

5-Encourage discovery and experimentation: this can be done by providing a nature corner (with plants, insects, etc.), an art and creativity corner (with paint, modelling clay, etc.), or a sensory-motor corner (with material to manipulate, treasures to discover, etc.).

In summary, the environment is a key element of Montessori education, as it allows the child to develop independence, curiosity and creativity while feeling safe and confident. Are you ready to redesign your environment to suit your child’s needs?