“The Prepared Environment intrinsically fosters creativity, the foundation for all human progress. Montessori cautions that the power of imagination will develop from whatever the child finds in the environment. It is creative people who will continue to advance civilization. For this reason educators must take care that the precious commodity of creativity is maximized rather than wasted; art, music, literature, poetry, invention, medicine and science are the products of creativity.” ~ Maria Montessori
Preparing Montessori Children for the 21st Century
(True story from one of our toddler community members, now enrolled in our Primary Program)
Hi there, I’m a little over two years old. I am a student in the Strawberry Community. One evening, while waiting for mom, I decided to assist my teacher with cleaning. After sweeping for a short time, to my surprise, for reasons I’m not sure, I had an urge to try something different.
- Critical Thinking – Can the broom stand alone, free from my hands?
- Adaptability – I move and reposition the broom to various locations in the room, does this help?
- Analyzing & Assessing – Is it possible? Over and over again, I tilt, lift and shift while slowly pulling my arm away
- Initiative- I trust myself – I have the confidence to try something new, I am in a community that respects and empowers
- Curiosity & Imagination – I am inquisitive, I want to know, is it possible?
The broom was his “work”. He is in an environment that fosters creativity and independence; he is left alone to analyze and assess as he formulates a plan. He was able to work uninterrupted; concentrating on the task at hand. He remained focused well over 20 minutes showing no signs of frustration or fatigue, he was engaged in “purposeful work”. He was intrinsically motivated, the absence of clapping and cheering allowed him to remain focused. Despite the fact that the broom continued to fall, perseverance triumphed.
This work was assisting in the development of his coordinated movement, eye-and-hand coordination and concentration, he was forming his own ideas relevant to human life, the ability to think and reason coherently and logically.
-Written by Ms. Tami, Owner/Head of School, Healthy Beginnings Montessori House
Healthy Beginnings Montessori 