Home Classroom
small low cupboard and arranged some Montessori practical life &
sensorial (and art) supplies plus a small table and chairs for our
first classroom. Our first learning area was in the kitchen. The
kitchen provided more "toys" for my children as well. After they had
done the pink tower a few times, they went onto "the pots and pans." I
have pans that have lids that fit snuggly into each other and the pans
stack like a tower. They also loved measuring cups that fit into each
other like a nesting toy. It's amazing how much Montessori "like"
equipment you have in a kitchen.
There are several ways you can make your Montessori environment. If
you have the room, a separate classroom space is one way. However, if
your space is limited you can make learning centers throughout your
home. Also, you can do a combination of a classroom and learning centers.
If the weather permits, the great outdoors is another fun place for
learning.
I eventually had a playroom that was a classroom area. Also, we had
areas in the kitchen-a low dry sink-where my children could start off
with easy practical life activities that led into cooking and kitchen
science activities.
It's also important to have a specific place where you put the
activities and equipment. If not, it is frustrating for your children.
It's like having someone put your dishes away a different place each
time they empty out the dishwasher. (Find the frying pan game!)
Montessori believed that children should do at least one activity
everyday. By having a place for each item and learning centers, your
child can dig right into that day's fun activity. The right environment gives your child contentment and happiness.