Montessori and IB… How it matches…

The prepared environment in a Montessori classroom refers to the carefully designed physical and social environment that is created to support the learning and development of children. The environment is designed to be child-centered and promotes independence, exploration, and discovery. It is organized in a way that allows children to move freely and choose their own activities, with guidance from the teacher.

The prepared environment in a Montessori classroom includes the following elements:

1. Order and simplicity: The classroom is organized and uncluttered, with materials arranged in a logical and accessible way.

2. Beauty and harmony: The classroom is aesthetically pleasing, with natural materials, plants, and artwork.

3. Freedom of movement: Children are free to move around the classroom and choose their own activities, without being confined to desks or chairs.

4. Control of error: Materials are designed so that children can correct their own mistakes and learn independently.

5. Multi-age grouping: Children of different ages work together in the same classroom, allowing for peer learning and socialization.

6. Prepared adult: The teacher is trained to observe and guide children, rather than control or direct them.

The principles of the prepared environment in a Montessori classroom can be applied to the International Baccalaureate (IB) program in several ways. First, the IB program also emphasizes a child-centered approach to learning, with an emphasis on inquiry-based learning and student agency. The IB program encourages students to explore their interests and passions, and to take ownership of their learning.

Second, the principles of order and simplicity, beauty and harmony, and freedom of movement can be applied to the design of IB classrooms and learning spaces. The environment should be organized and aesthetically pleasing, with materials and resources readily available to students.

Third, the IB program values the importance of social and emotional development, and encourages students to work collaboratively and develop relationships with their peers. The multi-age grouping principle of the Montessori environment can be applied in IB classrooms, with opportunities for peer learning and socialization.

Overall, the prepared environment in a Montessori classroom provides a model for creating a child-centered learning environment that supports inquiry-based learning, student agency, and social and emotional development. These principles can be applied to the design of IB classrooms and learning spaces, to create a supportive and engaging learning environment for all students.

• • •

• • •