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 Maria Montessori was trained as a medical doctor, and created her first educational environments by observing the needs of the children. As parents, we must observe our children in order to create a home environment that is responsive to their needs.
One of the important roles of an adult who cares for children is as the preparer of the environment. The child's surroundings are important because from birth through age six is a special period of receptivity called the Absorbent Mind. He is building a human being, and his environment becomes a part of him.
An environment for young children should be simple, beautiful, and ordered. The child looks to us to help her understand the real world, therefore we emphasize reality, for example, choosing books and pictures of animals and people instead of fictional characters.
After a period of bonding in the first months of life, the child grows more and more independent. Both the environment and the adult must allow for this.
The Kitchen
From the time a child learns to sit up, we provide a small table and chair, sized so the child's feet touch the floor. This is a place for eating, doing projects, and preparing food. A 2-step stool will allow the child to reach the sink and counter. At approximately 18 months of age, I begin showing children simple skills of food preparation: slicing bananas and cheese, spreading peanut butter. Choose tools that are safe and child-sized for both cooking and cleaning, then carefully demonstrate their use. They enjoy sweeping, mopping, scrubbing, and polishing. These activities give a child the opportunity to be responsible and contribute to family life.
The Bathroom
A stable potty chair can be provided from the time a child sits well, before the first birthday. Notice the child's schedule of elimination, and let her sit on the potty for a short while several times a day. After 18 months, children can use the toilet with a stool. Discontinue use of diapers at 18 months. A higher, 2-step stool allows hand-washing at the sink.
The Play Area
Put most of the toys into storage, leaving only current favorites. Rotate toys every month or two, leaving those they use regularly and bringing some forgotten toys out of storage. Each toy should have an attractive basket, box, or special place. Low shelves, like those used in Montessori classrooms, allow the child to see and organize their materials.
The Bedroom
From age two months to two years, we provide a low bed or mattress on the floor. This allows movement and independence, and the room must be safe. Low drawers and a low closet rod allow the child to choose and put away clothing. Provide a low shelf for a small number of quiet toys and books. The bedroom should be decorated in a restful, rather than stimulating tone.
Outdoors
Take your child outdoors every day. Go for walks at her pace, explore, notice the natural world. Play in sand and water, find hills and equipment to climb. As indoors, allow your child to help with work - raking, digging, shoveling snow. Introduce the miracle of gardening.
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