Maria Montessori believed in the uniqueness and unparalleled abilities of every child. To facilitate growth and development, the prepared environment, as she called it, is crucial.
The prepared environment includes material that stimulates a child's mind, fosters growth and entices the child to learn more and more. The child must be able to access the material on their own, as such the shelves are at their height, use the material successfully (each day before class our teachers ensure that the material is in the correct place with all the pieces required), and there must be plenty of space for the child to work.
Maria's philosophy is that a child is in a continuous state of learning and working….as such we do not have "play activities," rather each child chooses work to do each day. This not only gives a sense of purpose, but fulfillment of beginning and completing a task.
One of the most important aspects of a Montessori Classroom is the mixed age groups.
Classrooms are grouped as follows:
Toddlers: Ages 16 months to 3 years old
Primary: Ages 3 to 6 years old
Lower Elementary: Grades 1 through 3
Children are caring individuals who love to help others, both younger and older. The younger children watch the older ones attentively, later they emulate the movements. The older children enjoy being role models and are always ready to lend a helping hand. As such, the students become teachers to their peers.