“The environment is not just the place where the child acts and carries out his or her work, but the means through which, within which, and by which the child forms his personality, builds up his human characteristics and brings forth his latent human potential.  As food is to the child’s body, so is the environment to his character.”  -Maria Montessori

The Prepared Environment

Dr. Montessori spoke often of the prepared environment, an environment for the young child thoughtfully and intentionally designed with the needs of the developing child in mind. Natural lighting, child-sized furniture, mirrors hung at the child’s level, and materials that appeal to the child’s senses are just a few attributes of the Montessori prepared environment.

In an effort to meet the young child’s need for order, movement, and language, the environment should also include areas for the child to move, explore freely, and engage in practical life or purposeful activity that supports the child’s natural desire to learn and be independent. In the Montessori environment, this purposeful activity is called work, although, in the young child’s mind, there is no distinction between work and play.

“The first aim of the prepared environment is, as far as it is possible, to render the child independent of the adult.”  Maria Montessori

The Montessori Home

Play is the work of the young child, and, naturally, this work can be done at school or in the home. Understandably, there are other considerations when considering the child’s prepared environment within the home, including space, time, and other family members. Adapting your home to meet the needs of your growing child is not difficult, however, it does require some thought and planning.

Within the home, as in a school setting, the prepared environment should call to the child and support the child’s natural inclination towards independence. Making small adaptations, such as providing your child with a step stool so they can use the sink independently, placing self-care items such as diapers within your child’s reach and allowing your child to drink out of a cup are small steps you can take to foster your child’s independence at home.