THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT OF JAPANESE MONTESSORI NURSERY SCHOOLS COMPARED WITH THEIR NON-MONTESSORI COUNTERPARTS

Abstract

This study aims to investigate to what extent current Japanese Montessori nursery schools embody the physical elements of the environment suggested by Maria Montessori. Based on these elements, a questionnaire was constructed and mailed to a total of 701 Montessori and non-Montessori nursery schools all over Japan. Replies from 95 and 192 schools (Montessori, non-Montessori, respectively) were analyzed. It was indicated that: (a) Montessori schools embody significantly more elements than non-Montessori ones; (b) Montessori schools maintain their policy of providing various sizes of tables and a special room for afternoon nap that will support children’s self-directed activities.