If trained guides have a super power, it would be manipulating the environment in order to change behavior. Not exactly a super power, you say? I beg to differ. In our society we are manipulated in everything that we do, from the power of suggestion (billboards, advertising, social media, etc), to body language, to store and company layouts. At this point it’s really hard to distinguish what entails our own free will and what’s been ingrained into our preferences by outside influences. Montessori guides take that environmental manipulation (in the kindest way possible) and hone it to guide the children towards success.

Children (and all humans) are very much influenced by their environment. Modify the environment and we naturally adapt and change based on what's around us. So when guides notice behaviors we want to change during our daily routine, the first thing we do is look at the environment. Is the layout encouraging loud noise or promoting quiet routines? Is it setting the children up for successful independent work or encouraging group cooperation? Do shelf and material placement entice children to browse their lengths or is something cluttered and uninviting? Based on the developmental age of children and each classroom's community need, we adjust accordingly.

During the prep week before school starts you'll find us staring (seemingly glassy-eyed and trancelike) into our environments, mentally arranging and rearranging how to prepare the best environment for the most desirable outcomes. And throughout the year we continue to spend countless hours observing, modifying and tweaking our physical classrooms. Sometimes it’s as simple as moving a shelf to break up a running zone and other times it’s more complex. Are there annoying, high-pitched background noises (fluorescent lights?) that make it hard to focus? Too much stimulation (or not enough) around work zones that are inhibiting concentration? Are the materials sufficiently color-coordinated so the children know what supplies go with each activity? Are the adults modeling and moving in a way that we wish the children to do as well? Are the sink & faucet near the practical life activities so the water is easily accessible for cloth washing and floor scrubbing?

There are many factors that come into play and numerous areas we can focus on to promote success. Regardless, observation is key to understanding how and why behaviors occur and how to change them with environmental modifications. One year my community as a whole needed a lot of personal space, and the social dynamics in the environment needed significant support. In addition to the Grace & Courtesy lessons on social manners that occur daily, I observed that the layout needed some adjustment to support the children’s needs. By limiting the tables to individual work spaces, adding some extra work rugs, and using the larger plants and small shelves to define more cozy, individual spaces in the environment, the children had access to quieter personal work spaces despite the same number of children being in the area, and their social behaviors started to reflect their more peaceful mindsets.

While a home environment is very different from a Montessori one, it’s still possible to modify the environment in a way to support community and independence. Take a few moments to observe your child and see where the struggle occurs or a time frame when you’d like to support their behaviors or to facilitate a smoother family routine.

When my child was a young primary student she would wake up super, SUPER early each morning (and naturally wake us up as well) cranky and wanting to eat breakfast. She was too small to get into the refrigerator by herself but I knew she could open and close containers and pour water by herself. I also observed that she was mellow and would play quietly by herself after eating. I spent an afternoon clearing out a bottom shelf of tupperware and replacing them with her dishes, a small container of cereal, and a small pitcher of water. I showed her where everything was, then encouraged her to come get a snack (or breakfast) when she was hungry. She still continued to wake up early but would serve herself a little breakfast, play for awhile, and THEN decide to come snuggle with us. Win-win all around!

Next time you’re in a hectic situation, take a few non-judgmental moments and observe. What do you see in the environment or routine that might be promoting the chaos? Is there anything you can do to tweak it? Employ those superpowers of yours and see what can happen.

Elizabeth Stanaway, TTMS Children's House Guide

June 2023