In Montessori, the "prepared environment" refers to the intentionally designed physical and social environment where a child learns and grows. The prepared environment is thoughtfully set up to meet the developmental needs of the child and to foster independence, creativity, exploration, and learning. It is planned and organized to meet the developmental needs and interests of the child (or children) who will be using it.
A prepared environment is designed to be aesthetically pleasing, orderly, organized, and inviting. It includes a variety of carefully selected and arranged materials (at home, these are generally toys) that are designed to support the child's natural development and promote independent exploration and learning. The materials help children develop specific skills and concepts. They are typically made from natural materials such as wood, metals, or cloth and are arranged in a logical and accessible way that makes them easy for children to use, such as on low shelves and in baskets or on trays. Recommended toy and book storage and shelving can be found here.
In our home, we started out with one low infant shelf next to Sophie's movement area that offered a limited selection of toys and materials that were appropriate for her age, some of which were arranged in baskets (such as a variety of balls). We also used to offer her a few books in a basket. As she has grown older, her shelves have grown with her. She now has a shelf in our living room and in her playroom. Both shelves are low enough for her to reach and offer a variety of materials that I have selected based on my observations of her interests and needs. We rotate her toys approximately every two weeks, leaving out materials she is still interested in and rotating new materials instead of toys she is no longer playing with. In addition to toys, we offer books that she can access around our house. We have low, forward-facing bookshelves (example 1, example 2) and a set of floating shelves mounted low.
Another important component of the prepared environment is accessibility. A Montessori environment is designed to allow the child to meet their own needs independently (as much as is age and ability-appropriate). Stools, learning towers, low hooks, and child-sized furniture enable children to access a home that is adult-sized. Ideas for Montessori-style stools and furniture can be found here.
We have a learning tower in our kitchen, a toddler-sized weaning table and Tripp Trapp accessible high chair in our dining area, a toddler-sized chair by our entry door, stools (example 1, example 2), faucet extenders, and low hooks in our bathrooms, and a toddler-sized wardrobe in her closet. These allow our toddler Sophie to access our home independently as much as she is able. Enabling her to access our home not only allows her to begin to meet her own needs, but also gives her confidence and helps her feel like a valued member of our home. Our approach is more over-the-top than many homes, but we have seen firsthand the benefits that intentionally preparing the environment has provided to Sophie and our family as a whole. See the Instagram posts below for a full tour!
The prepared environment is an essential part of the Montessori approach, providing a carefully curated space that supports children's natural tendencies towards independence, exploration, and learning. The environment plays a crucial role in shaping a child's learning experience and overall development. By providing a thoughtfully prepared environment, Montessori parents and educators support children in becoming independent, self-motivated learners who are prepared to explore and engage with the world around them.
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