A key component of the Montessori approach is the support for movement during a child’s early pre-school years. Montessori classrooms are configured to invite – even require – children to move throughout their day. Within the classroom materials are intentionally placed where children must gather them to their work space – pencils in one place, paper in another, both brought together in a third place, the work table. The placement across the room is deliberate. The young child needs to move as they grow and learn.
The need for movement is further supported in the outdoor space of each classroom. The classrooms at the Corvallis Montessori School include not just the room in the building, but also the garden space adjacent to that classroom. Students are encouraged to make use of both the indoor classroom space and the outdoor classroom space throughout the day.
The outdoor environment offers additional opportunities for movement. Children engage all of their senses when they spend time in the outdoors. Gardening in vegetable and flower gardens invites digging, planting, and nurturing. Balance beams and woodworking tools invite practice of gross motor skills. Easels and art materials encourage creativity. The outdoor spaces of the classroom support the young child’s exploration of nature and our environment.
Interested in seeing the indoor/outdoor education model in action? We’d love to have you visit. Contact us today!