Montessori Education...child sized furniture?

Question

Hi all,

I am enrolled in an early childhood program and the question that i need to answer is what is the purpose of child sized furniture like chairs and tables? All I can think of is the children learn to become more independent. Can anyone else thing of any other reasons for using these structures in a early childhood program?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Every time a child enters a new environment,things which are not in proportion to his vision can be over whelming.Its like we adults walk into a room with giant sized things.The children need to get a feeling of security and belongings before they are even ready to accept something new,and later begin their learning process.The child sized furniture,no teachers desk,soothing co lours,no garish cartoon figures are a way of telling them-this room belongs to you,not us adults.

Answer 2

Sorry but no. It might just be a fun way for the kids to see furniture their own size. And, they won't have to topple of high things. Think of it as minis!

Answer 3

Maria Montessori- the first person to make small furniture  for children to use ,did so so that children had control over their environment.  The child could get in and out with out any help and therefore was able to work independently. Before she did this, children had to ask to be picked up or put down and then wait for the adult to do so, or wait for an adult to bring them a new activity to do.

The idea that a child did not have to wait for an adult to choose a new activity for them led to another one of her philosophical beliefs- that children should have some control over the activities they choose to do.  This does not mean a free-for-all where the child can jump on tables or draw on walls, but because the child now could get out of a chair them self, they could now walk over to a shelf, put away an activity they were using and take another appropriate one., learning to think for them self and be responsible for their learning.

Another reason is that child sized furniture indicates that the area is "child friendly".  In fact the first Montessori schools (and even some today) were called "Children's houses". The idea meaning the the environment belonged to the children.

Answer 4

It's safer for the kids and allows them to comfortably interact with others.

Answer 5

yea so the kids can get into the chairs and reach the table  easier

Answer 6

1. To accomodate the needs of the children at their level.

2. To foster a sense of belonging to a group.

3. To make the children feel that school is a safe haven for them.

4. Puts all the children on the same level  - ie. "levels the playing field" among children of the same age who have different levels of socialization among them.

Answer 7

Teachers cannot spend all day picking up the children to get them in their chairs or taking the risk they may fall off the chair or not be able to reach the table. It is just easier overall and it encourages independence.