Hallmarks of a Montessori Classroom  

Montessori classrooms are designed to be intuitive and conducive

to a child’s needs at multiple developmental stages. Most Montessori classrooms feature the following:
Designated learning areas. Each classroom is divided into multiple learning areas. Typically, these areas
are dedicated to either sensory, practical, language, math, or culture experiences.
(2) Limited wall décor. In a Montessori classroom, decorations are kept to a minimum. Any decorations
found on the walls are generally both practical and simply designed. (3) Natural furnishings. Whereas
many traditional classrooms use brightly colored plastic desks and chairs, Montessori classrooms mostly
stick to natural wood furnishings. The furnishing arrangement is also less strict and tends to include
more circles than rows.
(4) Soft lighting. Montessori classrooms use lighting similar to what a child might experience in his or her
home. Instead of fluorescent overhead lighting, the classroom may have fixtures designated to specific
sections to create a cozier atmosphere. (5) Specific organization. While Montessori spaces are designed
to encourage self-driven learning, they’re far from chaotic. These classrooms include neat and predictable
organization of supplies, toys, and educational items.

According to this study, a well-designed classroom: CHARACTERISTICS Receives natural light Is designed
with a quiet visual environment Uses warm colors on the walls and floor Has a large area of free space
for building and diverse learning/play Has high-quality and purpose-designed furniture, fixtures and
equipment Allows ease of movement Allows flexibility in learning varied activities Contains ergonomic
tables and chairs Is modular, meaning the teacher can easily change the space configuration

High Scope Approaches to Learning. Social and Emotional Development. (Play Materials) Physical
Development and Health. Language, Literacy, and Communication. Mathematics. Creative Arts. Science
and Technology. Social Studies.
Joan Yentl Salveron
10:49 AM
Block Area Art Area Toy Area Science& Math Area Reading & Writing Area Woodwork Area Music &
Movement Area Computer Area Outdoor Area Sand & Water Area
Karen Anne San Pedro
10:52 AM
Teachers engage children with open-ended materials such as art materials, fabric pieces, and all sizes of
blocks. They also find natural, found, and recycled materials for example rocks, twigs, containers, shells,
pieces of carpet, and old clothes.
Karen Anne San Pedro
10:54 AM
Head Start PURPOSE: programs promote the school readiness of infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged
children from low-income families. Services are provided in a variety of settings including centers, family
child care, and children's own home.
Karen Anne San Pedro
10:55 AM
Programs that operate as Head Start are child-centered, family-focused, comprehensive, and community-
based. Head Start services are designed to address developmental goals for children, employment and
self-sufficiency goals for adults, and support for parents in their work and child-caring roles.
Karen Anne San Pedro
10:57 AM
Programs must establish school readiness goals that are appropriate for the ages and development of
enrolled children in the following domains: Approaches to Learning Social and Emotional Development
Language and Literacy Cognition Perceptual, Motor, and Physical Development
Karen Anne San Pedro
10:58 AM
AREAS: What does a typical Head Start classroom look like? A good preschool classroom includes a
block area, a dramatic play area, a science area, a library, and an arts area. At the beginning of each day,
during what's called free play time, children decide which area to play in.
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AREAS: What does a typical Head Start classroom look like? A good preschool classroom includes a
block area, a dramatic play area, a science area, a library, and an arts area. At the beginning of each day,
during what's called free play time, children decide which area to play in.

Programs must establish school readiness goals that are appropriate for the ages and development of
enrolled children in the following domains: Approaches to Learning Social and Emotional Development
Language and Literacy Cognition Perceptual, Motor, and Physical Development

According to this study, a well-designed classroom: CHARACTERISTICS Receives natural light Is designed
with a quiet visual environment Uses warm colors on the walls and floor Has a large area of free space
for building and diverse learning/play Has high-quality and purpose-designed furniture, fixtures and
equipment Allows ease of movement Allows flexibility in learning varied activities Contains ergonomic
tables and chairs Is modular, meaning the teacher can easily change the space configuration

BANK STREET
The physical arrangement of the room includes a variety of interest centers, equipped so that children can
pursue special projects, utilizing language, artistic creation, math and scientific experiments. There is
ample storage space so organized that children have easy access to materials. Flexibility is provided by
means of movable room dividers and multipurpose tables. There is a quiet area for reading and a library.
Musical instruments and art materials invite active participation in the arts
Children's work is displayed at the child's eye level. Materials include many teacher-made and parent-
made items as well as those which the children create themselves, thus relating directly to the child's own
world. There is opportunity for the care of plants and/or animals of various kinds. The classroom
exemplifies, in itself, the importance of the arts and sciences in the child's development.

Traditional/ Structured Tables and chairs, reading corner, storage cabinets, bulletin boards, black boards,
charts, space for movement
Karen Anne San Pedro
10:58 AM
https://www.bookwidgets.com/blog/2019/12/19-classroom-seating-arrangements-fit-for-your-teaching