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Why is a Montessori classroom different to a traditional kids classroom?

It is over 100 years since Maria Montessori put her experience and educational background in educational philosophy into effect with her first educational environment, the Casa Bambina (Children’s House), that was designed to encourage children to interact with educational materials provided. What Montessori then did was remove those items which the children didn’t engage with. Many viewed her ideas with scepticism, but Montessori was more positive: “I had a strange feeling which made me announce emphatically that here was the opening of an undertaking of which the whole world would one day speak.” What Montessori realised was that when children were placed in an environment where activities had been designed to support their natural development, these children were given the power to educate themselves. She would refer to this as auto-education. In 1914 she wrote, “I did not invent a method of education, I simply gave some little children a chance to live”.

Montessori furniture like a kids table and chairs is designed not to distract

One of the key aspects of a Montessori classroom is the sense of calm and lack of visual distractions. A traditional classroom will usually be designed to use bright colours and will have a more chaotic feel to it. Montessori furniture is deliberately constructed of wood to blend into the surroundings, whether it is a kids table and chairs, rotating bookshelf or toddler chair. Minimising distractions leads to a calmer educational environment, enabling teachers to engage better with children in group activities.

A Montessori classroom has a comfortable aesthetic, so kids sofas and kids couches are a must

The aim of a Montessori classroom is to present children with an inviting space, which is more easily created with soft lighting and minimal decoration. Beyond this, with a space divided up into areas for learning, self-expression and relaxing, etc., having a space with neutral-coloured kids sofas and kids couches will be a great plus. Providing young children with a safe space will help them to learn and grow, especially those children who initially may suffer from separation anxiety.

A Montessori classroom uses kids bookshelves and rotating bookshelves to provide easy access to learning materials

Montessori classroom can often be recognised through its layout which promotes independence for children. Children are given the freedom to develop their own chosen skills. In order to promote this way of educating, it is important that children have free and easy access to all learning materials. Hence why such items as rotating bookshelf or two, plus low-level kids bookshelves are perfect for such a learning environment.

A Montessori classroom has a need for a variety of wooden toddler table and chairs and kids table and chairs

A Montessori classroom has a number of learning areas, unlike a traditional kids classroom which invariably has one. Kids are encouraged to think independently and therefore self-directed activities, hands-on learning and collaborative play are all encouraged to help boost kids’ sense of self. As a consequence, with the varying heights of children and differing activities, a good range of kids table and chairs , as well as toddler table and chairs will be needed.

Child-led learning benefits from the aesthetic of Montessori toddler chairs, kids tables and kids couches

There is no specific layout for a Montessori classroom, just a principal. Natural wooden furniture such as toddler chairs and kids tables with rounded edges to save on unwanted bumps and bruises are the recommended type of classroom furniture. In addition, as all Montessori-recommended furniture is made from wood, you will never have any problems creating that much-needed calming and relaxing environment.

If you want to know anything more about Montessori, Waldorf or Reggio Emelia furniture for children, here at Little Acorns we have all the information you need at our fingertips. Feel free to drop us an email at support@littleacornsfurniture.com.au and we’ll be happy to help you.

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