Keeping a clean, orderly classroom is important ina Montessori environment. Not only do we like to have a beautiful classroom,but children get to make choices about what will make it the most beautiful.Even in the Nido room, the teachers support and guide the children so they cantake part in caring for their classroom.
Last week Jenny noticed how much sand and chalk was inthe garden... it was EVERYWHERE. Jenny said "Oh no, look at the sand, lookat the chalk!" - Jenny then got the brush and shovel and sadly swept itall up. The children noticed how sad Jenny was and took a role upon themselvesto make sure their classroom stays beautiful. They copied Jenny and startedsweeping the sand and using the brush and water to wipe the chalk off the slideand trampoline.
Our children take care in helping teachers when itcomes to cleaning and making sure our classroom is tidy at the end of the day.Our older children in the Nido room love being great role model for the youngerchildren, they show them how to clean up and help the teachers.
Children want to have responsibility, they want to feelneeded in their environment, whether it is at Montessori or at home. Theseresponsibilities don’t just come at a certain age, they can be provided as soonas your child shows an interest. The teachers here at Montessori have been greatmodels for Giacomo and he has been watching everything and now loves to helpout and shares great enjoyment when he is finished.As Maria Montessori once said “Never help a childwith a task at which he feels he can succeed.”