The Prepared Environment of materials has been created to encourage purposeful activity and is essential to an authentic Montessori experience. At each stage of development the physical, emotional, psychological, social and intellectual needs of the children dictates the preparation of the environment. Stimulation for learning comes from the total environment rather than the teacher.
This environment incorporates outdoor and indoor space. The two spaces complement each other and are available at all times. The 0-3 environment is called the Nido or Nest and the 3-6 environment is called the Casa dei Bambini, or House of Children. The environments provide the opportunity for the child, under the guidance of the directress, to choose from a wide variety of graded materials which he can work through increasing in complexity as his abilities increase. The space is arranged according to subject area and children are always free to move around the room and to continue to work on a piece of material with no time limit. Children work at child size tables that they can move themselves or on mats on the floor, wherever they are comfortable.
The indoor environment encourages children’s natural desire for independence and the development of self-esteem. It has an atmosphere of mutual respect and caring where children develop kindness, courtesy and self-discipline.
The outdoor area is an extension of the indoor with specially prepared materials and the opportunity to care for the garden and develop an awareness of the natural environment.
Both the indoor and outdoor areas are set up to help young children engage in activities that promote
We acknowledge the uniqueness of each child by
A positive learning experience requires that the parents and the school share a common view on the purpose of education. This common view creates the supportive triangle when the parents, the educator and the child are all working together for the benefit of the child.
