To develop a love of learning. Children engage in tasks that appeal to them. They work at their own rate, repeating a task as often as he/she likes, thus experiencing a series of successful experiences.
To help each child develop self-confidence. Tasks are designed so that each new step is built upon what the child has mastered, thus removing the negative experience of frequent failure.
- To assist each child in building a habit of concentration. Through a series of absorbing experiences, the child forms habits of extended attention, thus increasing his/her ability to concentrate.
- To foster an abiding curiosity. By providing the child with opportunities to discover qualities, dimensions, and relationships amidst a rich variety of stimulating learning experiences, curiosity is developed.
- To develop habits of initiative and persistence. By surrounding the child with appealing materials and learning activities geared to his/her needs, the child becomes accustomed to engaging in activities on his own. Gradually, this results in a habit of initiative. “Ground rules” call for completing a task once begun and gradually results in a habit of persistence and perseverance.
- To foster inner security and sense of order in the child. Through a well ordered enriched, but simplified environment, the child’s need for order and security is intensely satisfied. This is noticed in the calming effect of the Montessori classroom, where every item has a place and the ground rules call for everything in its place.