The prepared environment is an essential in the Montessori philosophy. In The Child and the Family, Dr. Montessori writes: “It is almost possible to say that there is a mathematical relationship between the beauty of his surroundings and the activity of the child.” The prepared environment instills calm and inspires meaningful activity.

A well-prepared Montessori environment invites order. There is color coding and coordinating. There are meticulously placed table crumbers and a seeming obsession over matching trays and aprons. All of this work put toward the prepared environment supports the 3-6-year-old child’s sensitive period for order. Children know where things go and can independently put them away.

The prepared environment also supports the sensitive period for movement, leaving plenty of space for the children to move freely. There are tables and area rugs placed just so, balancing the space to support the classroom’s busy activity.

The prepared environment supports independence. It supports water spills and broken glass—all the things that come along with the developing child.

The prepared environment is a living environment. There are plants to be watered and fish to be fed. There are children moving freely without worry that they are in a place that isn’t made for them.

The most well-prepared environments are designed based on observation. Trained guides observe the children in the environment and look for spaces that aren’t meeting their needs. The Montessori guide uses their keen eye for observation to tweak any areas that aren’t supporting the children’s development.