How should shelving be designed in a Montessori environment?

In a Montessori environment, shelving is designed to be very low so that children can easily access materials and set objects on top. This design aligns with Montessori principles, which emphasize independence, self-directed learning, and accessibility. By having shelves within the child's reach, the environment encourages them to take initiative in selecting materials and engaging with them independently.

Low shelving creates a sense of ownership and responsibility in children, as they can easily retrieve and return items without adult assistance. This accessibility fosters a sense of autonomy and allows children to learn from their interactions with the materials, which is a key aspect of the Montessori approach.

Additionally, having low shelves enables children to organize their own materials and maintain order, promoting skills like tidiness and responsibility. This design also invites exploration and play, as children can interact with the environment at their level without obstacles.

In contrast, very high shelving would not support the child's independence and agency, as it would require assistance from adults to reach items. Likewise, adjustable shelving for adults does not serve the core purpose of facilitating child accessibility. Hidden shelving would be counterproductive in a Montessori setting, where visibility and accessibility are crucial to fostering engagement and learning.