Creating Montessori spaces for engaged and hands-on learning

 Written by: Rinka Bose D’Monte

Date: 20 September 2025

Children at early age learn a lot from their surroundings, so the environment plays a crucial role in shaping their everyday experiences. Montessori way of education stresses on creating the environment which allows freedom. Since this idea is at the core of designing any classroom, the environment is well prepared by a adult who respects the needs of children from early age. This allows children to explore, experiment and grow independently. We always believe and practice the same in our architectural firm Atelier ARBO, that a Montessori classroom is way more than organising wooden furniture and natural materials and its more about creating that safe space with warmth and lot of thought by the architect to nurture the lives of children from early age. If the environment creates curiosity, then that will allow for lifelong learning. This is the core of our design philosophy.

1. Start with Montessori Principles:

1. Its is important to create a space which is Child-centric and caters to their anthropometric and physiological needs. Creating shelves and floor seating spaces for children to roll around and access material makes it feel like house of children (as what Dr. Maria Montessori called it)

2. Simple, clean and calm space can do wonders for children. By avoiding clutter and creating sensible spaces, children can feel a sense of calm and focus.

3. Freedom within limits enhance the work experience. By displaying educational material in open shelves, it allows choice and preference. This choice and balance of exposing them to limited number of material nurtures self-discipline which eventually nurtures responsibility.

2. Creating Defined Learning Areas

The classrooms in a Montessori environment are divided into distinct zones, which are

1. Practical Life Area: Activities like pouring, sweeping, or buttoning frames develop fine motor skills and independence.

2. Sensorial Area: Colour Tablets, Sound Cylinders, geometric solids help children to refine their sense and classify the world around them.

3. Language and Literacy Area: This zone includes sandpaper letters, movable alphabets and reading nooks to build strong language skills.

4. Mathematics Area: Materials like number rods, bead chains, and the golden bead system turn abstract concepts into tangible learning experiences.

5. Cultural Area: Geography puzzles, maps, science experiments, and art activities nurture curiosity about the wider world.

3. Encourage Hands-on, self-Directed Learning

Many years of our practice into creating child-centric spaces has made us learn and understand that environment plays a crucial role into allowing hands-on experiences. As child believes in learning by self exploration, so as an aware architect and a mother I feel that more the space is developed from a child’s perspective and not as an adult will allow for better self-directed learning and hands-on work.

1. Open shelves with beautifully arranged materials allow children to independently select activities.

2. Learning tools should be real, not pretend—glass cups instead of plastic, real brooms instead of toy versions.

3. Outdoor connections, like a small garden or nature corner, bring the natural world into daily learning.

Hands-on learning helps children develop concentration, problem-solving skills, and confidence as they work through activities independently.

4. Aesthetics and Atmosphere Matter

A Montessori space should feel warm, welcoming, and peaceful. Soft lighting, natural materials like wood, and neutral colors with pops of vibrancy creates a sense of calm & yet creates a stimulating environment. Adding elements of nature—plants, flowers, natural textures—enhances the sensory experience and teaches children to care for their surroundings.

5. Flexibility and Observation

Montessori environments evolve as children grow. Teachers observe how children interact with the space and adjust it based on their needs and interests. This flexibility keeps the environment dynamic and responsive, ensuring ongoing engagement.

6. The role of the Adult

In Montessori education, the adult acts as a guide rather than a lecturer. The well-prepared environment does much of the teaching itself. When designed thoughtfully, the space encourages independence so children can explore and learn at their own pace, while teachers step in only when guidance is truly needed.

Creating Montessori spaces for engaged and hands-on learning is about more than aesthetics; it’s about respecting the child’s natural curiosity and drive to learn. When children enter a space designed with care, order, and beauty, they feel valued—and that sense of belonging empowers them to become active, self-motivated learners.

Whether you are a parent, teacher, or school designer, the goal remains the same: to create an environment where every material, every corner, and every detail speaks to a child’s potential and inspires lifelong learning.