How to Setup a Montessori Home Environment
Creating spaces that nurture independence, calm and curiosity
A home is a very personal space for anyone. It can be designed and create to rejuvenate one in multiple ways, but for children it is the first place where they start learning from the time they are born. So as educational architect, I feel if we can design Montessori Environment at home from the very beginning of a child’s life then we can see tremendous cognitive and physiological growth of a child. This conducive environment can help a child from every early on to explore, engage and belong. The Montessori philosophy beautifully captures this idea and emphasizes the design of spaces which allow for natural development.
Here are few ideas which I feel can help anyone to create a beautiful environment for their children at home. These are simple methods and techniques. Do have a look at Montessori School Design Project at Lower Parel, Mumbai and also our Library Design for a Montessori School in Bangalore.
Idea 1: Core ideology of Montessori is; “ Teach me to do things myself.”
Its’s all about empower a child from very beginning to do things themselves. Every design choice, from furniture heights to storage spaces, everything should allow the child to do things themselves and safely. This enhances their self confidence and desire to explore more.
The design of the space has to be seen through the eyes of a child and not from an adult’s perspective. Over the years of work into creating child centric spaces, as an architect we can immediately spot items in a house which are appropriate for a child and which are not. Most homes are designed as adult centric spaces and as per their functionality, but if we change this perspective and create an environment wherein a child has access to most things (safe items) then there is no boundary between a child and adult and both of them are the equal end user of the same. This idea is very bold and derives its strength from the respect and allowance an adult can bestow upon a child. Observing a child and it’s everyday needs can help in designing the space as it is the blueprint which needs to be followed.
A home is a very personal space for anyone. It can be designed and create to rejuvenate one in multiple ways, but for children it is the first place where they start learning from the time they are born. So as educational architect, I feel if we can design Montessori Environment at home from the very beginning of a child’s life then we can see tremendous cognitive and physiological growth of a child. This conducive environment can help a child from every early on to explore, engage and belong. The Montessori philosophy beautifully captures this idea and emphasizes the design of spaces which allow for natural development.
Here are few ideas which I feel can help anyone to create a beautiful environment for their children at home. These are simple methods and techniques. Do have a look at Montessori School Design Project at Lower Parel, Mumbai and also our Library Design for a Montessori School in Bangalore.
Idea 1: Core ideology of Montessori is; “ Teach me to do things myself.”
Its’s all about empower a child from very beginning to do things themselves. Every design choice, from furniture heights to storage spaces, everything should allow the child to do things themselves and safely. This enhances their self confidence and desire to explore more.
The design of the space has to be seen through the eyes of a child and not from an adult’s perspective. Over the years of work into creating child centric spaces, as an architect we can immediately spot items in a house which are appropriate for a child and which are not. Most homes are designed as adult centric spaces and as per their functionality, but if we change this perspective and create an environment wherein a child has access to most things (safe items) then there is no boundary between a child and adult and both of them are the equal end user of the same. This idea is very bold and derives its strength from the respect and allowance an adult can bestow upon a child. Observing a child and it’s everyday needs can help in designing the space as it is the blueprint which needs to be followed.
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Idea 2: Create a Calm and Ordered Environment
Most often than not, we land up creating rooms for children which are filled with toys, equipment and all sorts of things which we feel will be useful to the child. Home environments for children, especially Montessori inspired spaces needs to be intentionally minimal and calm. Excess stuff and clutter in a room overwhelms adults as well as children, while order creates a sense of focus. Using neutral colour palette can be of great advantage as it can seriously eliminate overstimulation due to colour or character-based décor. |
Also, with the use of natural materials, like wooden, cotton, jute, linen, etc can help in connecting children to nature and materials made out of natural material. A simple arrangement and organization can help in a great way. Use of cane baskets and trays can help very well in segregating and sorting out educational materials and also makes then easily accessible for children.
Idea 3: Design the Montessori zones at Home
a. Entryway: The main house entryway or foyer can be done in a way that the child feels that its accessible to him / her. There can be an age-appropriate seating or space for keeping bags which the child should be able to easily access. All of these routine and everyday works helps in building a rhythm and routine for the young mind. This helps in creating a repetitive pattern which is the learning for a child.
b. Living Room: Shared belongingChildren don’t see the difference between there room and living space as all are same for them for exploration. The physical boundary definition is defined by an adult, were as a child looks at the flow of spaces which allows them free movement and exploration. The living space is one of the common spaces for a family and it can be well utilized by creating / carving specific spaces for adults as well as children which can create a symbiotic environment at home.
c. Bedrooms: The place to rest needs to be as simple and clutter free as possible. We prefer to have very few open shelfs for toys and books and the other shelves for clothes needs to be closed. This helps to create an overall calm and serene environment with very less distraction when a child approaches the room to relax or unwind before going to sleep.
Keeping the above idea in mind, if the wall colors selected are pastel in shade, then they can create just that right amount of surrounding for the body of child to relax. Children experience their space is much more sensorial way so its very essential for an architect (who designs child centric spaces) to cater to the same.
Over the top colours, bright ones can be stimulating a child way beyond and adults understanding so keeping things minimal can go a long way in life.
d. Kitchen & Dining: Working with real life every item gives children lot of pleasure. As an adult we may feel that a knife can only harm them, but if it is shown how to be used properly then we can stand amused by the proper use of the same by children of all ages.
A bit of confidence and guidance by a thoughtful adult can be of great advantage to teach children to be independent and work on their own. Each such opportunity also helps them to build confidence and a drive to do things themselves for lifetime.As a parent our job is to show children a path to take decisions and act upon it themselves and not to do the job for them as we will not be available to them for lifetime.
At any house if food preparation is done as a family every day or every other day then it can act as a great learning and connection for the child and the adult at a very deeper level. This connection is more fruitful to build the constructive family bond for life.
e. Play / Work Area: A defined play space or play room can help children to work and concentrate well within the house. Puzzles, drawing Activities, hands on play games, sensorial activities can be of great advantage to children.
More the environment is inviting, better it is for the child. Once the interaction is entertaining and engaging then there is no need to push the child for any specific task or games or activities. The clear part which and adult / parent plays in a house for is child is to provide that conducive environment wherein they can thrive themselves as the environment is created keeping a child in mins. To see the place through the eyes of child directs us to design a space and that’s the most important ideology that we follow in our practice at Atelier ARBO.
Idea 3: Design the Montessori zones at Home
a. Entryway: The main house entryway or foyer can be done in a way that the child feels that its accessible to him / her. There can be an age-appropriate seating or space for keeping bags which the child should be able to easily access. All of these routine and everyday works helps in building a rhythm and routine for the young mind. This helps in creating a repetitive pattern which is the learning for a child.
b. Living Room: Shared belongingChildren don’t see the difference between there room and living space as all are same for them for exploration. The physical boundary definition is defined by an adult, were as a child looks at the flow of spaces which allows them free movement and exploration. The living space is one of the common spaces for a family and it can be well utilized by creating / carving specific spaces for adults as well as children which can create a symbiotic environment at home.
- A low-level seating or floor rug space next to a small book library can create just the warm environment for a child to use on their own.
- Some small chairs or sofa with a low-level table can be very appropriate for a child as well as adults to use. A minimalist approach like Japanese style of living can be an added advantage and boon.
- A wall mirror space and some floor soft toys can be great for the living space where children can easily interact with adults in an environment which is adept to their anthropometrics.
c. Bedrooms: The place to rest needs to be as simple and clutter free as possible. We prefer to have very few open shelfs for toys and books and the other shelves for clothes needs to be closed. This helps to create an overall calm and serene environment with very less distraction when a child approaches the room to relax or unwind before going to sleep.
Keeping the above idea in mind, if the wall colors selected are pastel in shade, then they can create just that right amount of surrounding for the body of child to relax. Children experience their space is much more sensorial way so its very essential for an architect (who designs child centric spaces) to cater to the same.
Over the top colours, bright ones can be stimulating a child way beyond and adults understanding so keeping things minimal can go a long way in life.
d. Kitchen & Dining: Working with real life every item gives children lot of pleasure. As an adult we may feel that a knife can only harm them, but if it is shown how to be used properly then we can stand amused by the proper use of the same by children of all ages.
A bit of confidence and guidance by a thoughtful adult can be of great advantage to teach children to be independent and work on their own. Each such opportunity also helps them to build confidence and a drive to do things themselves for lifetime.As a parent our job is to show children a path to take decisions and act upon it themselves and not to do the job for them as we will not be available to them for lifetime.
At any house if food preparation is done as a family every day or every other day then it can act as a great learning and connection for the child and the adult at a very deeper level. This connection is more fruitful to build the constructive family bond for life.
e. Play / Work Area: A defined play space or play room can help children to work and concentrate well within the house. Puzzles, drawing Activities, hands on play games, sensorial activities can be of great advantage to children.
More the environment is inviting, better it is for the child. Once the interaction is entertaining and engaging then there is no need to push the child for any specific task or games or activities. The clear part which and adult / parent plays in a house for is child is to provide that conducive environment wherein they can thrive themselves as the environment is created keeping a child in mins. To see the place through the eyes of child directs us to design a space and that’s the most important ideology that we follow in our practice at Atelier ARBO.
Idea 4: Lighting, Scale and Aesthetics
Children perceive spaces differently than adults, the experience level is different as the eye level of a child is at a different height than adults.
Lighting: Using natural light within the room spaces can make it very calming for our everyday well-being. Soft, warm lamps are better than bright overhead lights.
Scale: Placing appropriate artwork and mirrors at child height can make a big difference. Choosing furniture fir for a child can be of great advantage.
Aesthetics: Real art and nature inspired items, art and material can have a much better visual impact on a child rather than plastic items. All these can create the right balance and harmony for children.
Children perceive spaces differently than adults, the experience level is different as the eye level of a child is at a different height than adults.
Lighting: Using natural light within the room spaces can make it very calming for our everyday well-being. Soft, warm lamps are better than bright overhead lights.
Scale: Placing appropriate artwork and mirrors at child height can make a big difference. Choosing furniture fir for a child can be of great advantage.
Aesthetics: Real art and nature inspired items, art and material can have a much better visual impact on a child rather than plastic items. All these can create the right balance and harmony for children.
Idea 5: Safety and Freedom: The Balance
Children explore well with freedom, but its about creating spaces which provide freedom within limits. Using suitable furniture which is well designed and stable can help children sit, climb, pull push and all sorts of activities that they imagine doing. Sharp corners, dangling cords and toxic material should be avoided, this all-design decision can help tremendously to create a well-balanced environment.
Children explore well with freedom, but its about creating spaces which provide freedom within limits. Using suitable furniture which is well designed and stable can help children sit, climb, pull push and all sorts of activities that they imagine doing. Sharp corners, dangling cords and toxic material should be avoided, this all-design decision can help tremendously to create a well-balanced environment.
Idea 6: Outdoor connection: Nature as the Ultimate Teacher
A balcony within an apartment or a courtyard garden in a house can become a good learning space. It can include a small garden with potted herbs or easy-care plants like basil & mint. An outdoor sensory play space be can be created with sand, water or mud steps. These can be great explorative equipment’s for children. Certain level of instruments, like a Binoculars, magnifying glass or a bird feeder can be great for nature observation.
This is the beauty of Montessori philosophy that it changes the way of life for parents as well and it is for the better. Also, with the birth of a child in the family, there is an innate opportunity to see the work with fresh new perspective and re look at our way of living, in this process Montessori philosophy influences our everyday choices and way of life (which I think is for the better). It teaches patience, empathy, observation and respect for life.
A balcony within an apartment or a courtyard garden in a house can become a good learning space. It can include a small garden with potted herbs or easy-care plants like basil & mint. An outdoor sensory play space be can be created with sand, water or mud steps. These can be great explorative equipment’s for children. Certain level of instruments, like a Binoculars, magnifying glass or a bird feeder can be great for nature observation.
This is the beauty of Montessori philosophy that it changes the way of life for parents as well and it is for the better. Also, with the birth of a child in the family, there is an innate opportunity to see the work with fresh new perspective and re look at our way of living, in this process Montessori philosophy influences our everyday choices and way of life (which I think is for the better). It teaches patience, empathy, observation and respect for life.
Idea 7: Practical Tips for Parents
- Start with small initiatives and it’s ok if it’s not for the overall house
- While rearranging the space involve your child and you may just be surprised.
- Keep on rotating material and books from the shelf all the time. Keep fewer toys and books on the open shelf, like 6 of them at a time. This helps children to make decisive decisions and interact well with the toy or the book.
- Children learn from observing adults, so show them how to fold, clean and organize gently. Everyday acts by adults becomes part of everyday routine for children as well. Repeating everyday acts enhances emotional connectivity between the child and the parents specially.
- Evolving from time to time allows a child to grow in a naturally attuned home environment which followed Montessori philosophy. Without even realizing it the child is exposed to the philosophy from an early age. By reassessing the house arrangement every few months will help everyone to adapt the changing needs of the child better.
Idea 8: Atelier ARBO Perspective
We are deeply invested in creating Montessori way of life for most children whose parents are open to the idea. We have worked with many schools and parents, but we still stand to learn so much more form this philosophy that we love to share it with others.
Through thoughtful planning, natural materials and adaptable furniture systems we can help families design homes that can grow along with their child. We hope to create cozy homes which a child and the family looks forward to and it is inspired by Montessori philosophy. Our designs are intentional and deeply rooted in the philosophy, so that it allows the child to feel respected, capable and grounded.
We are deeply invested in creating Montessori way of life for most children whose parents are open to the idea. We have worked with many schools and parents, but we still stand to learn so much more form this philosophy that we love to share it with others.
Through thoughtful planning, natural materials and adaptable furniture systems we can help families design homes that can grow along with their child. We hope to create cozy homes which a child and the family looks forward to and it is inspired by Montessori philosophy. Our designs are intentional and deeply rooted in the philosophy, so that it allows the child to feel respected, capable and grounded.
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