Why do some children work on the floor in a Montessori classroom?

If you've ever taken a peek into a Montessori classroom filled with children, you've likely seen some children working on the floor on a rug or mat.

These small rugs are known as a Montessori Work Mat.

They act as a personal workspace for children working on the floor and helps to create a clear boundary for their activity.

How Are Montessori Work Mats Used?

When a child selects an activity that is done on the floor, they first roll out a floor mat.

This helps them focus, encourages order, and reinforces the idea that every activity has a beginning, middle, and end - roll out the mat > set up the activity > work > complete the work > clean up the activity > roll up the mat > put the mat away.

This small routine teaches responsibility and care for the environment.

A work mat also creates a clear boundary for the other students. An important aspect of learning how to use a floor mat is learning to walk around it, respecting the work space of their classmates.

Should Work Mats be Used at Home?

There’s no harm in having a mat available in your child’s playroom. If your child is looking to create order in their play space, they may enjoy using a mat to keep parts of their activities together.

Some families find that mats are helpful with siblings who share a small playroom because the mats define a space for each child.

If you decide to introduce floor mats at home, just note that there will be a learning curve. It often takes a few months in the classroom before children learn how to use them properly - remembering not to walk over the mats, roll them up when finished, etc.