The prepared environment
The first aim of the prepared environment is, as far as it is possible, to render the growing child independent of the adult.
The specifically prepared environment is a very important factor in the program. The teachers and children have a special relationship with it. It is very comfortable and welcoming. Its beauty reflects the beauty of the world around. Children love it, and learn how to use and take care of it.
The materials used are not only nice, but contribute to mental development, i.e. they are a means of learning. The materials are not themselves the method, but rather a means for the stimulation of logical thinking and discovery.
They are displayed according to the areas of learning, ranging from simple to more complex, from concrete to more abstract. Children use materials that were introduced to them by a teacher or by other children.
All the materials are proportioned to the child’s use not only by size, but also function. Children can use all of the objects for meaningful activity, and they help children to form clear ideas about a quality or principle. The interest and concentration of the children grow as objects that are superfluous and confusing are eliminated.
The place is characterized by extreme order and cleanliness. Everything has its place and there is a place for everything. There are no piles of unidentified objects. Materials are attractively displayed on trays or in baskets on open shelves. There are many plants. Reproductions of artwork from different countries and real life pictures are used as decoration.