The Model Classroom

      My class will consist of approximately 18 students, and I will be one of two teachers in the classroom. It is a mixed-age environment with students ranging from three to six years old. Typically, students enter the classroom at three years of age and remain with their same teachers until they complete Kindergarten. Ideally, the classroom will have a balanced distribution of ages and gender identities. All children begin the school day at 8:15 AM, but only up to 10 will stay for the full day; some of the younger children are picked up at 11:45 AM. Many of the children attend after school activities or classes, whether through our school or through an outside source.

      The school is located in Boston's Back Bay, with many families living close by. The student population is comprised largely of white, upper class children. Some families attending the school have two working parents, while others have a stay at home parent. The vast majority of children are living in two-parent households. In addition, many of the families employ babysitters or nannies to assist with care.

      The classroom is prepared with small, child-appropriate furniture and shelving. There is a deliberate scarcity of chairs and tables to encourage diversity of activities, and to give ingrained lessons of patience and flexibility. Furniture and shelves are laid out so that children can traverse the room with ease, but must still take care in their movements. There are a few tables available for working, as well as ample open floor space. Generally, the shelves correspond to a curriculum area with a deliberate sequence of work within each area. The Montessori curriculum areas include Practical Life, Sensorial, Math, Science, Language, Art, Culture, and Geography. Children are free to move around the classroom as they please, choosing any work that they have had a lesson on. Lessons are often given one-on-one, or in small groups. The teachers give an introductory lesson on a work, after which children are encouraged to practice the skill or activity independently. Clear and consistent expectations ensure that the children remain peaceful and productive, providing "freedom within limits."

Pictured above: Classroom map showing locations of tables, chairs, shelving, and rugs.