A prepared environment can be thought of one that would facilitate a child to maximise learning and exploring as independently as possible. The environment can be made conducive for a child to move around freely yet complete a variety of activities. Children are encouraged to explore a multitude of resources and experiences. They have both the freedom and the self-discipline to guide their choices and work in such an environment
A prepared environment is not limited to school or a classroom but can be brought into the houses as well. It will add to the learning by reinforcing the principles of school in the home as well. A prepared environment not only encourages order and independence but acts as a self – motivation tool that allows children to develop the competence of caring for themselves and their surroundings.
A few tips to help you create this at home-
Getting Organized- Having a place for everything, which the children are aware of and, that children know where to find what they need, and have a place to put things when they are done. An ordered environment also has fewer distractions, allowing children to specialise in the task at hand. To assist a toddler, we must provide them with an environment which can enable them to develop freely.
Simplifying Your Home- Doing this in your home environment enables your child to understand what is expected of them. With your support, encouragement, and consistent, gentle reminders, even toddlers can return items to their rightful places. For example, limiting toy choices and providing open shelves (instead of toy boxes where toys are heaped during a pile) at your child’s eye level allows them to ascertain all their choices and return objects to their correct places. Sorting smaller items, like puzzles, art supplies, and blocks by category into trays or baskets makes them accessible and your child can easily put them away. Keeping extra toys in storage to be swapped out once you observe your child growing tired or tired of the things currently available will keep her curious about playing with new and familiar favourites, and ensure an area that’s not only neat and tidy, but also highly valued and cared for.
The Workspace- We all know the value of creating an engaging, colourful, and educational space in a classroom, but did you know it is equally important to make an inviting learning space at home? Believe it or not, a happy home learning space can help develop your child’s creativity, sharpen their focus, and increase their motivation to read and learn. More so now in the current scenario.
Dedicated Space – The focus should not be on the size of the space but think about creating consistency. You can dedicate a corner of an area or create learning spaces that are more flexible. For example, pull out foldable chairs and tables when it’s time to learn, or create a learning space with cushions and stools only for study time. The key is to make a selected routine and spot for your child’s learning. It is most vital to point out to your child that you simply value learning enough to offer it a uniform place in your home.
Declutter– After designating a space for learning, focus on removing distractions. Remember, less is more. Too many toys, books, and supplies can crowd an area and make a sense of chaos. Create an orderly environment by decluttering the area. This will greatly help your child specialise in learning.
Comfort – Much like adults, children need to have a comfortable place to work. As a parent, it’s important to make the learning area where children are comfortable enough and happy to spend their learning time. Try to have a dedicated consistent worktable with the device placed at a comfortable distance, everything else in their bedroom should be put away—toys, books, even the bed—can be a distraction.
Visual Stimulation- When you create a learning space in your home, look for ways to create inspiring, creative, and visual places for a child’s mind to wander. For example, hang small pictures, posters, family photos, and other things that make the place positive a place where a toddler feels inspired, safe, and free.
Organize supplies– Work with your child to fill their space with necessary, supplies. Here are some things they would need handy- Writing materials, tray with markers, crayons, eraser, colours and scissors, Slate and chalk, writing books. You could keep the parent guide and resources needed for the day kept ready as well.
Food and Water- If possible, feed them well before the classes, however sometimes they may need a small snack (Finger food) to keep them engaged. Keep a simple light healthy snack handy along with a bottle of water- encourage them to sip water during the class.
If you engage your children in the process and give them a place to sit, think, and learn, it will help your child feel focused and comfortable.
Parents are always surprised by the amount of times a child can repeat an activity or a song or an action and one always question about why children are repetitive in some things at certain stages.
Research has shown that children pass through certain phases throughout their development- it is during this phase that they show a sensitivity and to learning specific skills- These phases are called ‘Sensitive Periods’- These periods of sensitivity are transitory and when the aim of the period is accomplished the special sensitivity simply falls away. In other words, it reaches its peak and fades away.
It is during these periods that children appear to repeat actions over and over again till they master it. Children seem to enjoy this repetition while building on new skills.
In her teachings, Dr Montessori observed that the sensitive periods were not linear. They do not follow each other. Some run parallel and some overlap; There are different skills that the children build on during the ‘Sensitive Periods’- some of them are as follows-
Sensitivity to Order: This appears within the first year and continues through to the second year. During this time, the child is working hard to sort out and categorize all his experiences. It makes it easier for them if there is some kind of order in their lives. To support the sensitive period for order, it is important to establish ground rules, a solid routine, and create an organized environment where everything has a place.
Sensitivity for Language: The sensitive period for language begins at birth and goes the whole way till the child is about 6 years. To support language development at home, Dr Maria Montessori believed it is important to immerse your child in an environment that is rich in language stimulation.
Sensitivity to Walking: When the young child learns to steer at around 12 to 15 months, he wishes to perfect the skill, and can walk and walk without feeling tired. To support the event of fine and gross motor skills, it’s important to support your child with regular visits to the park or an outside environment.
Sensitivity to the Social Aspects of Life: At the age of about two and a half years to three years, the child becomes aware that he is part of a group. He begins to point out an intense interest in other children of his own age. To support the development of social skills in your child, it is important to provide your child with opportunities to socialize with children their own age.
Sensitivity to Small Objects: When a child reaches its first year and becomes more mobile and has a larger environment during which to explore, he’s drawn to small objects like insects, pebbles, stones and grass. He will pick something up, check out it closely and maybe put it in his mouth.
Dr Maria Montessori recommended that a baby be kept close to his caregivers so that he can see everything and hear what is going on around him. Then as soon as he can move around, he needs the freedom in order that he can explore. Throughout this period, you may find that a child will repeat these actions for long periods of time on a daily basis.
Recognizing and supporting sensitive periods in your child’s development begins with knowledge of what is typical at different ages. The other aspect is just observing your child and allowing them to progress at their own pace. To support your child during this special time of learning, it’s important to supply them with a supportive learning environment that gives stimulus appropriate to their stage of development. This includes ensuring adequate time and materials are available, and by respecting the individual interests and passions of your child. It is through observation that the requirements of the kid are revealed.
Reference: – https://www.iammontessori.com.au/ https://www.pbcexpo.com.au/
What is the IB Learner Profile?
At the core of the IB is the ‘learner profile’, a long-term vision of holistic education that reinforces all three programmes and puts the student at the centre of everything we do. The learner profile is the mission statement of the IB and it is this that helps the students go beyond academic outcomes and prepares them to become 21st century citizens.
“The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.”- (ibo.org)
As IB learners we strive to be:
Caring
We show empathy, compassion and respect. We have a commitment to service, and we act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world around us.
Knowledgeable
We develop and use conceptual understanding, exploring knowledge across a range of disciplines. We engage with issues and ideas that have local and global significance.
Communicators
We express ourselves confidently and creatively in more than one language and in many ways. We collaborate effectively, listening carefully to the perspectives of other individuals and groups.
Reflective
We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience. We work to understand our strengths and weaknesses in order to support our learning and personal development.
Inquirer
We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn independently and with others. We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of learning throughout life.
Open-Minded
We critically appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others. We seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and we are willing to grow from the experience.
Principled
We act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere. We take responsibility for our actions and their consequences.
Risk-Taker
We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change.
Thinker
We use critical and creative thinking skills to analyse and take responsible action on complex problems. We exercise initiative in making reasoned, ethical decisions.
Balanced
We understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives—intellectual, physical, and emotional—to achieve well-being for ourselves and others. We recognize our interdependence with other people and with the world in which we live.
**Reference- ibo.org
How do we incorporate it or teach it in school?
Different strategies are incorporated within the class to inculcate and build on the attributes of the Learner profile- some of these might include
How could parents encourage it at home?
The attributes of the profile are what we wish to see students imbibe in themselves as their personality and character, it is not limited to just behaving in a particular way at school. To continue to apply these traits at home as well parents should incorporate this at home.