Question By: One of the indispensable principles of the Montessori method is the “prepared environment” – providing the appropriate setting and conditions to allow children the freedom to absorb or experience what is needed for their development at each special stage of self-construction. The Prepared Environment is both a physical space and the intangible properties necessary for an organism to thrive, reach and fulfil it’s physical, spiritual, emotional and psychical potentials. The adult’s role is to connect the child to her environment, presenting each activity when the child is developmentally ready and open to the possibility of receiving it, she gives the child the freedom of choice and independence if she is acting on her hidden tendencies.
Considering Adolescent Development
Children from ages 12 to 18 are considered to be in the third plane of development. Counciloakmontessori education is based largely on consideration of developmental markers for various age groups. The following characteristics has observed to be standard during this stage in life:
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Great changes in the physical body as the child experiences puberty
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A need for independence from the family unit, while also requiring support
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Strong and varied emotional experiences
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A need for experiential learning
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Refining of moral perspective
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Drive to discover their future occupation
Elements of a 12 to 18 Program
Many of them cater to middle school students aged 12 to 15, though there are a small number that include older adolescents and the high school years as well. Dr. Montessori’s original concept involved having students live on a working farm.
This would allow them the following opportunities:
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A level of independence from their families while receiving support from adults
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Opportunity to engage in physical work that would support their developmental growth while teaching worthwhile skills
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Gardening, animal husbandry, and handcraft skills
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Engagement in a microeconomy: students work to earn money via the farm and budget for common purchases
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Community connection by way of selling their goods to the public
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Authentic combining of traditional academic learning with personal interests
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Access to growth and experimentation in the arts
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Support while refining their senses of independence and purpose within society
Dr. Montessori stated that the appropriate prepared environment for the adolescent stage of development would prepare the individual to move from childhood into society, providing the opportunity to learn the value of commitment, responsibility, and cooperation, and building a sense of their own value in the community.
The nature connection will surely build our awareness of and appreciation for our precious planet, and will provide our adolescents with a prepared environment that nurtures their development as members of a community and citizens of the world.
Hopefully, as interest and understanding continues to grow in the coming years, counciloak montessori adolescent programs will expand.
Visit https://counciloakmontessori.org/2017/11/09/adolescent-prepared-environment/ for more information.
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