A Complete Guide on How to Set-up Montessori Lab

I get tens and hundreds of enquiries from preschools for setting up a Montessori Lab from around the world. 

Having guided so many Montessori schools, preschools and K12 Schools in setting up their classrooms and labs, I have gained a ton of experience and knowledge. 

One thing I can say with certainty is that – it takes time and effort to set up a custom Montessori Lab. But the result is so beautiful.

The engagement levels of children, their need to practice and their retention of concepts shoots up. This is the dream of every teacher, parent and of course the preschool.

Set-up A Montessori Lab

If you are hoping to set-up Montessori Lab in your school or home then this comprehensive article will

• Help you understand the concept of Montessori Lab and
• Guide you through the process.

First things first…for readers who aren’t familiar, let me quickly outline the concept for you: 

What is a Montessori Lab?

A Montessori Lab is a learning space that is designed using Montessori Principles. 

This unique space has Montessori Learning Materials to aid learning and development in various areas like Practical Life, Sensory Refinement, Language, Math etc. 

The teachers or guides in a Montessori Lab are specially trained in Montessori teaching techniques. 

So, essentially a Montessori Lab is a combination of three concepts:

• Montessori Principles
• Learning Materials and
• Teaching Techniques

Now the most important question. 

Why is Montessori Lab important for child learning and development?

Traditional classrooms follow a top-down approach. The teacher stands in front of all the children. The teacher decides what children will learn and the children learn by listening and repeating verbally. There are a few core problems with this approach:

• Children don’t learn based on their curiosity
• There is no movement
• Learning happens without real-world objects and tangible material
• Rote learning instead of application based learning
• Teacher keeps correcting the children
• There is no personalised learning plan for each child
• There is no socialisation between children

Adding a Montessori lab removes all the short-comings of a traditional classroom. Let’s take a look at how.

Every aspect of the lab is designed carefully

Child-Sized Everything

From chairs to shelves, materials to utilities, everything is designed in such a way that children can have easy access. Everything is child sized and reachable. 

This encourages independence, as children can get the materials they need without adult help.

And if you are worried that children will misuse the materials then let me assure you that every item has its place, and children actually put everything back in its place. The teachers don’t even have to instruct them to put things back. It’s magical to watch.

Learning that lasts a lifetime

Hands-on Learning

Montessori Labs are filled with scientifically designed materials. These materials let’s children learn concepts with all their senses. 

For example, in traditional schools different types of tastes (sour, salty, sweet, astringent and bitter…) are introduced verbally. However, in Montessori Lab, guides introduce various types of tastes using the Tasting Bottles Material. Children experience each taste and associate that with its name. This type of real, practical learning ensures children will never forget different types of tastes.

Independence leads to decision making ability and vice versa

Montessori Labs provide opportunities for children to plan their day by choosing activities and managing their time effectively. This nurtures independence and the ability to decide from an early age.

Children are meant to move

With open classrooms and the freedom to choose work, socialise (of course under the guidance of teachers) children move physically which helps in the development of motor skills and muscular strength.

Right guidance at the right time

In Montessori Labs, the role of the teacher shifts to that of a guide. This subtle but important distinction changes how learning is facilitated.

Observer and a guide, not a teacher

The guide’s role is to observe the children, introduce them to appropriate activities, and support their journey. They are not there to provide direct instruction but to offer the resources needed for discovery and self-learning.

No two children are same

The guide develops individual learning plans for each child, taking into account their interests, strengths, and areas of development. 

This personalised attention ensures that every child meets their unique developmental needs. For example, let’s assume that Ram is experiencing a phase to learn how to write and Shyam is curious about sorting things. In a Montessori Lab, Ram will be guided to master writing while Shyam will be guided towards sorting activities. 

This is only possible in a Montessori Lab where the teacher keeps individual records of children. 

These are only some of the key benefits of a Montessori Lab. We will cover more benefits in another blog. Let’s look at the other aspects of a Montessori Lab.

What are the challenges of implementing a Montessori Lab

While the Montessori Lab offers numerous benefits, there are challenges that need to be addressed.

High Initial Costs

Setting up a fully functional Montessori Lab can be expensive due to the high-quality materials required which are made of wood. However, many educators find that the investment is worthwhile in the long run. However the life of these materials can be around 10-15 years with proper maintenance.

Need for Training

Guides in Montessori Labs need specialised training to understand the Montessori philosophy and implement it effectively.

Smooth Transition

Initially the school may face a few hiccups in seamlessly blending the teaching method with the Montessori Lab. 

These are just initial and temporary challenges. However, there are significant benefits for the school.

How will Montessori Lab benefit the school?

Value for money

Offering a Montessori Lab sets your school apart from your competitors. Parents seeking alternative, progressive education methods will view your school as forward-thinking and innovative thus improving your school’s value proposition.

Higher engagement levels in children

The hands-on materials and interactive environment keep children actively engaged in the learning process. Engaged students are more likely to ask questions, participate in discussions, and develop critical thinking skills, which translates into better academic performance. One benefit I have heard from many schools after implementing Montessori Lab is that their classrooms have become very peaceful.

Improved performance of children leads to more admissions

Let’s be honest. Schools get a major chunk of admission with word-of-mouth marketing. Parents appreciate seeing their children thrive in a learning environment that nurtures their individual strengths and interests. 

Satisfied parents are likely to recommend the school to others, boosting admissions through word-of-mouth.

When teachers are happy, everything feels happy

Montessori teachers have a far lower burnout rate than teachers in traditional schools. Why? Because children take ownership of their learning, teachers don’t run behind every child, children learn to keep everything back in its place, teachers learn training techniques that increase child’s retention.

How can I set up a Montessori Lab?

There are two ways you can set up a Montessori Lab in your preschool or home.

Enrol in a Montessori Program

You can enrol in a Montessori Training program. A Montessori Training program offers a comprehensive knowledge about Montessori, child learning and development. By the end of the program you will be able to not only design and set-up your own Montessori environment, but you can become a Montessori teacher as well.

Pros:

• In depth understanding of Montessori and its principles.
• Provides practical experience, allowing you to learn how to use Montessori materials effectively.
• Opens new career opportunities like Montessori Educator, Consultant and also enables you to start your own Montessori Preschool.

Cons:

• The program takes anywhere between 9 months to 2 years (in the case of Modular Programs) to complete. This may be time-consuming if you are eager to set-up your lab.
• The programs can be expensive, especially if you’re looking at internationally recognized certifications. This cost might be a hurdle if you’re on a tight budget.
• While you gain a lot of knowledge, you’ll need to source and purchase materials separately, which can be overwhelming for someone just starting out.

Approach Montessori Curriculum Providers

Montessori Curriculum Providers manufacture Montessori materials, design and set up Montessori Labs and provide the necessary training. Kidken Montessori is a leading Montessori Curriculum Provider in India with a team of certified Montessori educators who have experience in setting up schools and Montessori environments.

Pros:

• Montessori curriculum providers like Kidken Montessori offer a complete package. They provide the materials, design your lab, and even train you and your staff, making it a hassle-free setup process.
• By relying on experts, the Montessori Lab can be set up much faster compared to going through a lengthy training program.
• With a team of certified Montessori educators, providers can help ensure that your lab is designed in line with Montessori standards. 
• Many providers offer customization options, allowing you to tailor the lab to your space, budget, and specific needs.

Cons:

• You won’t gain the deep, hands-on understanding of Montessori philosophy and teaching that a full training program provides.
• While this approach can save time, it can also be costly, depending on the provider and the materials they offer.
• Montessori offers time-tested principles that cannot be tweaked, this may not provide you with the flexibility in terms of your vision.

Conclusion

I have seen children thrive in a Montessori environment. Educators and parents are noticing this and are actively seeking admissions in Montessori Schools.

Due to the lack of Montessori Schools, the idea of Montessori Labs was born. With lesser investment, schools are now blending Montessori with their own approach. Montessori Lab offers a unique, child-centered approach to education that nurtures independence, creativity, and holistic development. 

Whether you’re an educator, parent, or simply curious about alternative education methods, Montessori Lab provides a beautiful learning environment that develops lifelong skills. 

Frequently Asked Questions on Setting up Montessori Lab

Q1: What age is appropriate for a Montessori Lab?  
Montessori Labs cater to children from as young as 18 months up to 12 years old, depending on the developmental stage and needs.

Q2: Do Montessori Labs follow a specific curriculum?  
While Montessori Labs don’t adhere to a traditional curriculum, they focus on core areas like language, maths, science, and practical life skills, aligned with the Montessori philosophy.

Q3: Can Montessori Labs be implemented in public schools?  
Yes, some public schools incorporate Montessori principles, but it requires significant adjustments to fit within the existing education system.

Q4: How do Montessori Labs handle discipline?  
Discipline in Montessori Labs is centered on self-regulation and natural consequences, encouraging children to take responsibility for their actions.

Q5: Are Montessori Labs suitable for children with special needs?  
Absolutely. Montessori Labs are highly inclusive and adaptable to the needs of children with various learning abilities.

Q6: How can I set up a Montessori Lab at my school?
Kidken helps set up Montessori Labs. Kindly contact our team here

Q7. How much does a Montessori Lab cost? Every Montessori Lab is unique to the available space in a school. Kindly contact us to determine an estimate based on the space available in your school.
Montessori Labs cater to children from as young as 18 months up to 12 years old, depending on the developmental stage and needs.