In Mis Manos Montessori School classroom this objective is approached in two ways: first, by allowing each child to experience the excitement of learning by the child’s own choice rather than by being forced. Second, by helping the child to perfect all their natural tools for learning, so the child’s ability will be at a maximum in future learning situations. The Montessori materials have this dual long-range purpose in addition to their immediate purpose of giving specific information to the child.
Parents should understand that a Montessori school is neither a baby-sitting service nor a play school that prepares a child for traditional kindergarten. Rather, it is a unique cycle of learning designed to take advantage of the child’s sensitive years between zero and six, when he can absorb information from an enriched environment. A child who acquires the basic skills of reading and arithmetic in this natural way has the advantage of beginning his/her education without drudgery, boredom or discouragement. By pursuing his/her individual interests in the Montessori classroom, he/she gains an early enthusiasm for learning, which is the key to his/her becoming a truly educated person.