‘The Environment is the 3rd Teacher’- Maria Montessori
Oamaru Montessori classrooms are all specially prepared and designed to display beautiful equipment in an exciting and inviting way. The environment will be warm and inviting with specific colours chosen to create a calming, soothing feeling. A selection of beautiful artworks will be placed around the centre exposing the children to a range of different art styles, helping build an appreciation for art concepts.
The daily routine will quickly become second nature as it is always predictable. This helps build a sense of security as children know what is coming next.
The Classroom will be divided into 6 areas (which we will explore)
- Practical Life
- Sensorial
- Mathematics
- Language
- Cultural
- Art and Crafts
Each area is uncluttered & has its own specific equipment that will be displayed in an orderly respectful manner.
Children will be able to work with the equipment individually or with guidance and support from their Teachers or peers.
Children will be encouraged to return the equipment back to the way they found it, leaving it for someone else to work with. If they have not quite finished with a certain material & they need a break, they are encouraged to leave their work on a mat with their name tag. Other children learn quickly that if the equipment is left unfinished on a work mat, they leave it as it is. This is a respectful gentle way of not rushing the children & this flows on into the environment where the space is unhurried and calm. We do not rush, we do not rush the children & they are free to move around the room & the ‘areas’ as they feel comfortable.
Next week we will explore the importance of Practical life.