The first aim of the prepared environment is, as far as it is possible, to render the growing child independent of the adult.
MARIA MONTESSORI (1966) THE SECRET OF CHILDHOOD
As I’m learning more about Montessori, I know that children’s environment should be carefully designed to encourage their independence and concentation. Previously, I wrote two posts about baby’s play space: Baby Play Space: Before and After and Baby Play Space 3.0. Today I’m excited to share our recently updated play area for Therese in our living room, which promote concentraion and independance.
Months ago, we removed the playpen to block the area that we don’t want Therese to explore without our supervision instead of blocking her inside the playpen. She’s so much happier after this change as she’s free to almost all space on the second floor. We left a big open space as it’s great for promoting gross motor skills.
We still provide four areas from the big left bookshelf in our living room for her. It’s perfect at her height! She has access to her toys and books displayed there. It’s simply with a limited number of toys to allow her to focus better. I rotate out toys about once per week or two weeks based on my observation on how she engages with and mastering the toys/activities.
As Therese’s very interested in reading books, we moved the small bookshelf to this corner to provide more options. She enjoys reading in her bedroom and in our prayer room, too, which we provide limited choices.
Sometimes very small children in a proper environment develop a skill and exactness in their work that can only surprise us.
MARIA MONTESSORI (1966) THE SECRET OF CHILDHOOD
Amazon product links:
- Alzip playmat: https://amzn.to/37m8Cbn
- Skip Hop Playspot Interlocking Foam Play Mat: https://amzn.to/2YQ0LRU
- Baby Care Playmat Playpen: https://amzn.to/37kjXsj
Joyful Christine 