Order is very important to children in a Montessori environment. Order provides children with a sense that there is a place for everything and some things happen in a predictable fashion. Montessori classrooms are set up in a very orderly fashion. The room is separated into different areas. Within each area of the classroom, the material is set up from left to right and top to bottom (to follow reading and writing). The material on the top left of the shelf is easier than material on the bottom right. The material, although changed on a regular basis, finds its home on the same shelf, in the same place as long as it is in the environment. By ordering the environment in this way, the directress is setting up the children to be successful. After a lesson, the child knows where to find and then return the material. The child can independently get and complete the work.

In the environment order is set up not only by the materials on the shelf, but also in the routine of the day. Without being strict or clock watching, children in a Montessori environment can predict what is going to happen and when. Directresses have line time at approximately the same time everyday. Depending on the day (and time of year) children have work time for varying lengths of time. However, children know that after work time the same thing happens (read a story, line time). Regularity and predictability in their schedule helps young children feel a sense of control. A lack therefore, could lead to a child's loss of control. This can lead to poor behavior from a child.

An easy way to avoid temper tantrums is to set up things (at home, going out) to make things as orderly as possible. If you have several places you are going, let your child know where, how long each will take (relate the time to something familiar), and what you will be doing. Making a list with your child and having him mark off the stops as you make them can help your child feel more involved in running errands.

Another time that order is important is bedtime. Although routines differ by families and cultures, it is important to follow a routine. Of course, you want to avoid a routine where your child has a fit every night at bedtime! If your child is having a difficult time with bedtime routine, ask her (at some time other than bedtime) to make a list of the order of events. For example: bath time (about 15 minutes), dry off and dress in pajamas (5 minutes), comb hair (3 minutes), brush teeth (3 minutes), read stories (20 minutes). Although the activities may differ depending on age, the order of events should be pretty consistent. Try the routine for a few nights and if one part isn't working, ask your child to help make a change. The times allocated for the events are not meant to be held to strictly, just recommendations. The times also give parents an idea of how long bedtime will take.

Order helps a child in many ways, including physical and cognitive development. For more information on how to create a more orderly environment in your home, speak to your child's teacher.

Copyright 2005, Ingrid Weland, Montessori Matters