The Prepared Environment

[Rose-Roget]

So the topic at the Montessori PTO this week is "The Prepared Environment." I figure there's more to know than just know your kids and plan ahead. Please tell me more about it, so that I can contribute to the conversation. Thanks!

[MattBronsil]

Everything is set up so your child can have freedom to move about in an environment that is structured. The environment is actually designed for the child...not trying to make the child more comfortable in an adult environment.

[Rose-Roget]

I guess it is exactly what it sounds like/what I already know about it. I wonder how long of a discussion we can have about it? I don't know that they want to hear experiences of how ds's classroom does not seem to be set up that way.

[Rose-Roget]

Well, as it turns out, I didn't need to contribute anything.  Was more of a teaching and question-answer session than a round-table discussion about the topic.   Oh well. 

[Rose-Roget]

Originally Posted by MattBronsil 

Everything is set up so your child can have freedom to move about in an environment that is structured. The environment is actually designed for the child...not trying to make the child more comfortable in an adult environment.

Matt - you summarized and hour-long "discussion" in 2 sentences.

[sapphire_chan]

Did most of the parents actually learn from the lecture and Q&A? Could that be where the problems with the school are coming from, parents just not knowing what they should be seeing and therefore either not asking for it or, worse, asking for what they do expect?

[Rose-Roget]

Originally Posted by sapphire_chan 

Did most of the parents actually learn from the lecture and Q&A? Could that be where the problems with the school are coming from, parents just not knowing what they should be seeing and therefore either not asking for it or, worse, asking for what they do expect?

I think that's a huge part of the problem.  Many parents have no clue about Montessori.  Many listened and didn't ask questions, too, so it seems like a lot of parents take it at face vaule.  I think a lot of people take a real backseat position to education, and those who don't get flack for it anymore - here and elsewhere.  And then there are those who don't take the backseat AND don't know anything about Montessori. 

I signed up for a committee to help grow the program.  Don't know how effective I'll be if I keep my attitude.  I figured, of any of the groups, that might be the one to affect the program the most.  *I would insert a shrug here, but that doesn't seem to be an option anymore*