The Institute of Montessori Education

One of Montessori education’s basic principle is that of the “prepared environment” the calm, ordered, nourishing space designed to meet the developmental needs of the child. In the first days and months of the infant’s life we offer basic human needs, a path that leads to developing one’s own unique and individual potential and talents. This process of knowing begins at birth and is accomplished through respectful observation, the Montessori pursuit of following the child while providing a structure and an environment that protects, guides, and offers opportunity.

It is now confirmed through research that the first three years of life have the greatest influence on the entire life of an individual. The main developmental task of the growing infant is to develop a lifelong sense of trust. The use of rich, descriptive language serves as a model for the developing language. The infant’s perspective can be seen by lying or kneeling down on the floor looking around at the surroundings.

Montessori education provides support in all areas of development including physical, social, emotional as well as cognitive, spiritual, and intellectual development. By reaching and grasping objects in their world the infant has the power to change the world. Walkers, cribs, baby seats, and swings restrict the infant’s ability to freely move their entire body and this inhibits essential brain development. Place the infant upon the floor, a low lying cushion or mat so that they may seek independent interaction with their surroundings.

Dr. Montessori referred to the child’s play as “work” to offer respect for the fact that a child’s play is as important to him as our adult work is to us. Purposeful work involving the mind and the body instills a sense of order, coordination, concentration and independence. The infant’s movement and interaction with the environment soon becomes all they see and “work” tirelessly at creating order in their daily routines.

Toddlers have a strong sense of order especially of time and place. Consistent routines and an orderly environment, a place for everything and everything in its place, a time for everything and everything in its right time are important to the child’s sense of security. Their world is full of new experiences and new concepts and at times it can be quite overwhelming. Toddlers are passionate beings refining their modes of communication, as well as their physical ability to care for themselves, care for others and care their environment. The toddler is also quite the social creature exploring interactions with others and their sense of social grace and courtesy.

The toddler environment is filled with realistic models of objects for naming and describing as this reinforces language development. Materials that are made to manipulate, provide opportunities for fine motor development. Items used for everyday care of the environment add a valuable opportunity for the toddler, washing windows, sponging tables, sweeping crumbs all provide large motor activity and a chance to learn about the respect and care we contribute to our world Eventually through observing the adult models and the model of the older children in the environment they learn to independently restore order to the environment.

The outside environment is just as important as the indoor space, nature calls the toddler to explore, to master the garden path, to accept every challenge the different terrains offer. Purposeful, delightful activity is the desire of every individual from birth through adulthood. The foundation for this lifelong pursuit is set in the first years of life. You have been given but a glimpse into the incredible first years of life, the passion and accomplishment of which sets the foundation for the individual’s entire life.