One of the key principles in Montessori philosophy is the child's choice.
Giving the child the ability to choose simultaneously triggers another principle of Montessori philosophy: respect for the child. But how do we implement these two into the learning environment of the child? In this helpful article, we will cover some of the best practices for doing so.
First, let's start with the basics: objects around the child should be seen by him and remain within hand’s reach. Essentially, this means no high shelves!
Not only should the item be visibly accessible, but it should also be light enough to be moved by the child. These actions are meant to encourage the child's curiosity.
Although we should make items accessible for the child, making sure the objects have no sharp corners and are safe to use will enhance the child's ability to play and discover. The balance between supportive protection and limiting experiences for the child is even, as every parent has the right to oversee their child’s actions. Still, enabling exploration over protection will help the child become more independent and happy.
Kids portable desks
A child's connection to their environment is also significant in the Montessori method. Therefore, mobility is encouraged, so the child may explore the environment. Mobility in space, including the outdoors, plays a large part in allowing them to experience the natural world. Having said that, because learning outside is not always an effective approach, natural materials such as wood are often implemented in the Montessori environment: this means bringing the smells and textures to the child, rather than bringing the child to them. The Montessori elementary program also teaches children to think critically. They learn how to take part in a task, solve it in different ways, and then put the pieces back together. This process of trial-and-error helps to develop analytical skills that are necessary for life. The most important skill kids learn through the Montessori method is knowing how to understand themselves by choosing their own path.
In the Montessori learning environment, children's desks are usually placed without any formality; this allows children to pick and arrange them as they please. By randomly placing the desk or chair in a space, these items gain a portable nature, giving the child the opportunity to choose where they want to learn and emphasizing flexibility.
This method can be implemented in your home environment as well: Try to make it flexible by changing your furniture arrangement. By doing so, not only will the environment be more flexible, allowing for more creative thinking on the part of the child, but the child's posture will also be varied, leading to a healthier body.
Flexible environment
Another principle in Montessori education is modular objects. The objects should accompany the child for several years and, thanks to their customizable nature, allow the child to use them individually or with a group.
The classic Montessori portable desk is an excellent example of this principle. It can be easily moved and adjusted to the needs of the child, yet it also has a modular design that allows for several children to work on them at once. The lightweight nature of these desks makes them perfect for group interaction, as well as individual study time.
To provide flexibility for the child, an open-ended environment with a variety of choices is desirable. Because of that, numerous portable Montessori desks were developed over the years. Some of those portable desks are floor desks, which encourage the child to be immersed in their environment while also choosing a preferred body posture.
Since Montessori is such a hands-on method, it only makes sense that the desks be portable themselves. A floor desk is a perfect example of Montessori's philosophy on flexible seating. By adopting one of those desks for your learning environment, your child can benefit from the three main elements of the Montessori method. Its design allows children to sit on the ground, immersed and close to their environment. Second, this style of desk also allows children to choose their desired body posture.
Unfortunately, Maria Montessori is no longer here to guide us, but the principles are still as valid today as they were back then. Choice and mobility must be nurtured in order to provide the child with creative skills and allow them to personalize their environment.
Let's summarize some of the key elements in this article: The Montessori portable desk is a great example of the method’s versatility. It is genuine to the Montessori principle because it offers children multiple environments to practice in, whether during group work or individual study time. Furthermore, flexible body postures support healthy back development through floor desks and portable desks.