How does the Montessori Prepared Environment differ from the traditional preschool?

Montessori environments are focused on individualised learning. Each child will be learning at their own pace through activities that interest, challenge and stimulate them.
There is sense of order within the room, not to instil conformity or discipline, but to provide the children with the sense of predictability and stability that helps them to feel secure and build their confidence.
 
We believe, as Montessori says, that children are the promise and hope for mankind, and that these foundations are the building blocks of life
 
Montessori education promotes self-directed activity, hands-on learning and collaborative play. This gives children independence, strong academics and self-motivation, with a natural love of learning and discovery, which sets them up for lifelong success.
 
 
Some Key Montessori Concepts

Sensitive periods: Through careful observations of each child’s development, we can teach skills and concepts at the optimum time for each child.
 
The Absorbent Mind: Maria Montessori used this term to describe the way a young child learns.  Children are learning all the time from the people and environment around them. Children use all of their senses to help them to understand the world around them.
 
Freedom Within Limits: The children are given the autonomy to move around their environment freely choosing activities that interest and challenge them. Within these rights also come great responsibilities. Children are taught the expectations of being a valuable member of the community, respecting themselves, others and the environment.
 
The Prepared Environment: For children to build confidence, security and a positive climate for learning, the environment must contain the essential elements of a sense of order and inviting resources. The teachers also make up a key component of the environment. Trained educators within each room are nurturing, calm and respectful at all times. When children develop trust in their safe and predictable environment, they are more willing to take risks and accept challenges.
 
The Nature of ‘work’: We understand that play is the child’s work. Through play, children are building their social skills, cognitive development and muscle control. You will hear the educators and children refer to the activities available as "their work". Each task that a child engages in, is self-chosen, hand's on and appealing to the child. Throughout the day children may chose to 'work' by themselves, in a small group or with a friend or educator.
 
Positive Guidance: We don’t believe in the traditional concept of ‘behaviour management’. We aim to positively guide young learners to develop their ‘inner-discipline’. Each mistake that happens is an opportunity to teach and learn. We explore empathy, increasing vocabulary, making amends and self-regulation. You won’t see certificates and award stickers in a Montessori classroom. Praise and rewards are not required when children are acting and working in a way that makes them feel their own self-worth and a valuable member of the group.