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Montessori Classrooms
In the typical Montessori classroom
- The teacher operates as a director; observing and following the children
- The teacher makes notes after observing the children
- The relationship between that of the teacher and the child is warm, caring and respectful
- Learning is child led with them following an activity for as long, or as short a time as it holds their attention
- The room is calm and peaceful, with a co-operative, community-like atmosphere
- Whole group lessons are minimal
- Strong emphasis is placed on personal responsibility for order in the work area
- Children behave in a respectful manner towards the materials and others
Room Layout
- Montessori encourages a clean, ordered and prepared environment
- Child size desks are arranged to support a variety of work spaces
- Shelves have activities spaced along them in a visually appealing way
- Children are encouraged to prepare snacks and drinks in their snack area as they require them
- Open spaces allow children to work on the floor and spread their materials out
- Each room contains a functional kitchen and quiet spaces
Lesson and Activity Types
- Individual and small group lessons are the primary means of instruction
- There is minimal use of workbooks and worksheets
- Activities are attractive, tactile and often colour coordinated
- Activities are ‘real’ – they do not just replicate real life, they are real life
- Large group, circle time or mat time happens at the beginning or end of each work cycle
Behaviour
- Children care for one another
- Children treat each other with respect
- Children demonstrate independence, self-discipline and choice
- Children of different ages work together and learn from one another