Prepared Environments, Prepared Adults, and Peaceful Relationships
Chesterfield Montessori School’s strategic vision statement of Montessori in Every Moment℠ is an aspirational idea that we live out in tangible ways each day through:
- Prepared Environments
- Prepared Adults
- Peaceful Relationships
As the children enter into our lovingly and scientifically prepared environments each day, they intuitively understand that these classrooms were crafted with their needs in mind. The beautiful and orderly spaces invite engagement. The art and materials are displayed so that they may be easily enjoyed by the children, with minimal adult help.
The Prepared Environment includes the physical aspects in the primary classroom that allow the children to work in ways that meet their natural tendencies. Movement through the classroom is encouraged by a limited number of obstacles. Too many shelves and tables in the classroom limits their movement and walking the line develops their Control and Coordination of Movement, which is a development of fine and gross motor skills as they learn to balance and move with precision. Provided are a specific set of materials for each individual work. No two materials share resources and any resources that need replacing are easily replaced by the child once they are finished so it is ready for the next child. When new works are presented to the child, they are presented in an exact order, and they are also shown how to clean it up. These materials have specific places on the shelf where they belong and are always returned there, so the child always knows where to find a work.
The Prepared Adult
From Ms. Meg, pictured above, Assistant of our Primary Juniper room - "In my classroom I help prepare the environment for the child through a variety of different tasks. I ensure that the papers for all the different works are already on the shelves for the children. I also ensure that all the practical life works have their necessary materials. I usually have cleaned them the day previously to ensure they are ready for the child to work with immediately. If any materials need replacing through the day I do so as quickly as possible without districting the work of the children. Ms. Megan or I will observe if a work is being engaged with properly and remove after some time or alter it if not. If the children do not show a particular interest in the work, it may be removed. We also ensure to have a regular rotation of spoken language cards/ three-part cards to reengage the children's interest as they are incredibly important materials that should be worked with every day".
The adults at Chesterfield Montessori School commit to a transformational, ongoing process of self-observation and growth. They participate in professional development opportunities that empower them to apply Montessori principles in their work and their lives. In this way, they become well-prepared to celebrate the children as individuals and meet their unique needs each day.
Peaceful Relationships
We understand that peace is not the absence of conflict, but a commitment to navigate through conflict in a way that honors the dignity of everyone involved. Relationships rooted in dignity cultivate peace. Discipline at Chesterfield Montessori is not a set of rules and punishments, but a loving and developmentally based approach to helping children learn how to be kind to themselves, to others and to their environments. Through planned and spontaneous Grace and Courtesy lessons, children come to understand how to effectively interact with other people and the world around them.
This work is complex, tedious, and so rewarding. We feel so honored to be part of these children’s lives. We know that the experiences the children have here every day are allowing them to discover their potential, creating new hope for humanity!
