The Montessori Classroom:

What’s Inside and Why

by Tali Benjamin

When you visit Montessori schools, there are certain commonalities that you can’t dismiss. Clean, organized classrooms. Students moving around the room purposefully. Children working diligently on a project. Multiple grade levels of students learning together. So, is there a purpose to what you see? As is the case with all things Montessori, there is an educational philosophy behind what’s happening in real time and the learning environment in which things occur. Here’s the “why” behind some common Montessori questions.

Q:

Why are preschoolers cleaning windows?

This activity is an example of practical life activities that are central to Montessori education. Children of all ages participate in the care of their classroom through activities like doing dishes, caring for the plants, baking, setting the tables for lunch, sweeping the floors and, yes, washing windows. It is purposeful work that reinforces important life habits such as concentration and finishing a task from beginning to end.

Q:

Why is the furniture right sized for the students?

Having a prepared environment is key to a successful Montessori classroom. This philosophy includes having serene décor and items, including the furniture, sized appropriately for the students. This allows students to move things independently, promoting success and problem solving.

Q:

Why are students so engaged in their learning?

Students tend to become very connected to their learning because of the Montessori work cycle. It is a three-hour (two hours for younger learners) period in which children can explore and work without interruption, giving students the freedom to work toward mastery of a subject at their own pace.

Q:

Why is my child working with younger/older kids?

Muti-age groupings are another core tenant of Montessori education. Classrooms are constructed around three-year groupings of students (ages 0-3, 3-6, and then by grades as students get older). This is key to student development—academically, socially and emotionally. The younger students learn from the older ones, while older children learn leadership skills. And, the cycle continues as students move from classroom to classroom.

Q:

Why is it so calm and quiet?

The stress-free nature of Montessori has academic and emotional benefits and can be credited to two primary philosophies: ground rules and freedom within limits. General ground rules often cited inside a Montessori learning community are respect oneself, respect one another, respect the environment. Freedom within limits works well because students understand expectations and enjoy freedom, so they follow the rules in order to enjoy the benefits. The common understanding among the classroom community creates a sense of safety and calm.

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3345 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Duluth, GA 30096

Phone: 470-822-3982

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Phone: 678-667-4999

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Phone: 470-236-0088

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Programs offered:

Nido (6 weeks to 18 months)

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Spanish Immersion Offered

Programs offered:

Nido (6 weeks to 18 months)

Toddler (18 months to 3 years)

Children’s House (3 years to 6 years)

Spanish Immersion Offered

Programs offered:

Toddler (18 months to 3 years)

Children’s House (3 years to 6 years)

Experience Community Beyond the Classroom

Arbor fosters independence in each child through supportive relationships, joyful learning, and meaningful work in a Montessori environment. Enrolling at our two Decatur campus locations for the 2023-24 school year.

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2998 Lavista Road • 1434 Scott Boulevard 404.321.9304 • www.arbormontessori.org

Arbor Montessori admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, family structure or sexual orientation to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities of the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, family structure or sexual orientation in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.