Moyen Nido (15–35 months)
The Moyen Nido classroom comprises five areas where children can move around freely and benefit from equipment specific to the Montessori learning methodology. The five living spaces are:
Sensory & Practical Life
The practical life equipment is the first equipment presented to the child, and it allows him or her to establish the basis for their learning and development. It invites the child to act out the rituals and actions involved in everyday life (for instance, carrying a chair, tying a knot, getting dressed, brushing your teeth, etc.).
The sensory equipment, on the other hand, is scientific—it is universal, tested, calibrated, and measured—and allows:
An approach to reality via what is concrete rather than on an abstract level
Use of the senses, the concepts of smooth and rough, the different smells, the different sounds, the concept of colors.
Identification of contrasts and varying degrees
Personal Care & Cubbies
This space contains toilets, a changing room, and cubbies, all of which are adapted to the child’s needs.
Language Development
Among other things, this space has a library corner and a shelf with pictures, along with paired objects, sequential images, drawing stencils, a farm, and a dollhouse. These types of equipment enable the child to progress by enriching their vocabulary, as well as improving their reading and writing skills.
Art
This space consists of the modelling workshop, the drawing and painting workshop, materials for collage, and the music workshop (singing, dancing, movement, etc.). This permits the child to develop their artistic sense through different actions such as playing, telling stories, and inventing scenarios. It also gives the child opportunities to exercise critical thinking and self-expression.
Development Support
This space, which is split into three categories (locomotion, coordination, and auditory skills), provides the child with the opportunity to develop movement, balance, fine motor skills, and the ability to recognize objects through touch.