How to Set Up a Montessori Classroom
The Montessori philosophy is that children can learn best by observing and doing rather than by passively absorbing information. Montessori classrooms encourage independent thought and self-learning with the use of different sections in the classroom. A teacher in a Montessori classroom acts as a guide for children to learn on their own. Each Montessori classroom is set up in a specific order designed to help children learn. There are many steps to setting up a Montessori classroom, and it is important to read all available information on the topic before proceeding. However, a general overview of how to set up the classroom provides an excellent starting point.
Things You'll Need
- Bookshelves
- Child-sized furniture
- Cleaning supplies
- Montessori classroom supplies and activities
- Age-appropriate books
- Art supplies
- Cultural materials
Instructions
-
-
1
Divide the room in to different learning sections. You can use bookshelves to divide the room into sections, or simply use the supplies necessary for that section to create natural divisions between sections. Most Montessori classrooms have sections for math, sensory learning, science, practical life, language arts and culture.
-
2
Set up low, light-weight furniture in each section. Each section should have a table and chairs small enough for children to easily move around. Choose furniture with light colors that easily show messes and spills. Part of the Montessori experience teaches children to be responsible for their own messes.
-
-
3
Set up the practical life section with some of the following supplies and materials. Provide materials for cleaning, sweeping, measuring, pouring, color matching, mixing, buttoning and zipping, tying shoelaces and other activities that teach children how to be responsible for themselves.
-
4
Set up the math section with different math manipulatives for the children to complete in groups or alone. A manipulative is a type of hands-on learning tool, such as small colored blocks for counting or sorting. Manipulatives can also help children learn shaping, problem solving and other math-oriented skills. There are many stores that sell Montessori math materials for children of varying ages.
-
5
Set up the language arts section with English and language manipulative. Supply the section with a large selection of books on many topics. Provide a comfortable spot for children to look at and read books.
-
6
Set up the science and culture sections with appropriate materials. Along with the science section, adding a way for children to grow plants is a useful hands-on science project. Fill the culture section with books about other cultures, as well as materials from other countries and cultures.
-
7
Place different sensory objects into the sensory learning section. Provide objects for the children to feel, smell, look at and touch. You can place art supplies in this section or in its own section.
-
1
References
- Photo Credit kindergarten boy image by Andrey Kiselev from Fotolia.com
