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3 min read
A YES space is not originally a Montessori concept (it comes from RIE - a parenting approach developed by Magda Gerber) but it does align perfectly with the Montessori philosophy.
It’s an enclosed area where everything within the space is 100% safe for the child to explore. This includes furniture, surfaces, toys, etc.
It could be an enclosure made of baby gates or an entire room, which is often the case when parents choose to use a Montessori floor bed. Montessori Classrooms are also considered ‘yes’ spaces. In early infancy, a YES space could even just be a crib or playpen.
The name is based on the idea that parents won’t need to say no to anything when children are in it. Everything in the space is safe for the child to touch, move, and explore.
While the set up of the YES space changes as children get older, here are the basic guidelines, as outlined by Janet Lansbury, who coined the term:
The biggest benefit of the YES space is that children are given the opportunity for uninterrupted play and exploration.
Since the adult no longer has to move the child away from hazards or discourage them from doing something unsafe, children can move about freely without interruption.
The other benefits include:
If you decide to create a YES space in your home, a helpful activity is to spend time in the area at your child’s eye-level. By doing this, you might find things that should be removed from the space, like hidden cords or small objects that have rolled under furniture. Click here for more information on this eye-opening activity.
Because of my small Toronto home, I've never created a 100% YES space.
I'm curious to know if any other Montessori parents have. I'd love to see pics or hear about your experience. Email me at contact@themontessoriroom.com if you do!
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