Prepared Environment
The Prepared Environment is a unique feature of the Montessori system. It must be beautiful, complete and functional. All Montessori materials used in the classroom have been universally tested and conform to international Montessori standards.
Maria Montessori believes that the environment must be prepared for the child. Therefore, care must be given in setting up an environment at home or in school. The aim of the Prepared Environment is to facilitate the development of independence.
The Casa and Grade School Prepared Environment is equipped with furniture proportional to the children's size. It also contains classroom materials which are scientifically designed to fulfill the children's needs and sensitivities.
In the Montessori High School and College levels, the environment is still an important feature. According to Dr. Maria Montessori, the young adult must be exposed to a Prepared Environment that will acquaint him with the structure of society where order is respected and rules are consistent. If the environment is not in order, chaos, disturbance, and disrespect may occur.
The "professional" set-up of laboratories (kitchens, science, computer, agri farm) where theories are turned into practical activities enhances the students' quest for self-sufficiency. Apprenticeship of the Food Service programs are done in fully equipped modern ristorantes, bistros, and cafes of the school.
Read more about this topic: Operation Brotherhood Montessori Center
Famous quotes containing the words prepared and/or environment:
“To be ready to fail is to be prepared for success.”
—José Bergamín (1895–1983)
“Autonomy means women defining themselves and the values by which they will live, and beginning to think of institutional arrangements which will order their environment in line with their needs.... Autonomy means moving out from a world in which one is born to marginality, to a past without meaning, and a future determined by others—into a world in which one acts and chooses, aware of a meaningful past and free to shape one’s future.”
—Gerda Lerner (b. 1920)