How to Design a Montessori Playroom

Upon moving into a bigger house, we found ourselves with an entire room that is empty, because we don't have enough furniture.  In theory, it's supposed to be used for a dining/formal living room, but instead it has become the area where Henry has his tummy time.  We decided that it would be more practical to turn it into Henry's playroom than to do the dining room thing at this stage.  Lucky him!

I'd like to try and design the playroom in the Montessori way, which means that it's child friendly, rather than "child proof."  Child proof is where everything is up high and out of reach.  It consists of devices designed to restrict movement: bouncy chairs, high chairs, play pens and car seats.  Child friendly is where a child can safely explore and fully experience daily life with minimal intervention and where independent actions are encouraged.   


Here is my inspiration: (from here, here, and here)

Here are some guidelines for designing a Montessori-inspired playroom:
* Everything should be kid sized and at toddler-level
* It would be nice if two walls face the outdoors (looking onto a nice garden or woods)
* Ideally, there would be a library/reading area, kid sized kitchen, science area, greenhouse, art area, and a woodshop/hobby workshop
* Instead of cartoon-like posters, choose high quality artwork or pictures of nature, hung at toddler level
* Have large and small plants around the room (and even a little "nature area" in the room is a nice touch)
*Keep the design simple and stored in baskets on low shelves your child can reach
* The whole room should be simple, calm, and organised.  Not too busy and loud

Ideas for a playroom:
* Consider adding a towel bar (or several) approximately 18 inches (46 cm) off the ground so your child can have something sturdy to pull themselves up on and to hang onto when they begin cruising.  You could put a mirror right above the railing so your child could look at themselves while standing up!
* For an older child, create a "quiet space" for them to go to when emotions are running high.  Have your child select things that help them calm down, such as a favourite book, favourite soothing music, or paper and pencil.  Have these items in a bag in a corner with a comfy pillow or on a low table next to a small chair.

Ideas for a bedroom:
* Consider having wall hooks (at toddler-level) and place a few different clothing options for your child each day, that way they can choose what to wear.
* A creative alternative to a crib is having a floor bed-- a low, firm mattress place directly on the floor.  There is no danger of injury from falling and if you place it in the corner, you will have two walls to act as a railing.  This allows them to explore the room freely.  If you have a hard surface rather than carpeting, you can soften the drop off by placing a folded blanket or soft rug at the edge of the bed.
* Get a lightswitch extender so your child can control when to turn the lights on and off.

Great books:
How to Raise an Amazing Child the Montessori Way by Tim Seldin
The Absorbent Mind by Maria Montessori

Interesting articles:

• http://www.montessori.org/story.php?id=271
• http://montessorihome.com/article_designingenvironment.shtml
• http://www.montessori.org/story.php?id=71