Why do Montessori schools want children to enter at such a young age?
Dr. Montessori, in the course of her observations identified four “planes of development”, with each stage having its own characteristics and challenges. The Toddler and Early Childhood environments are designed to work with the “absorbent mind”, “sensitive periods”, and the tendencies of children at this stage of their development. The Montessori environment and materials assist children in becoming self-motivated, self-disciplined, and to retain the sense of curiosity that many children lose in a more traditional classroom setting. Montessori children tend to act with care and respect toward their environment and each other. They are able to work at their own pace and ability and to pursue their own interests which nurtures a joy of learning and prepares them for further challenges. This process works best when children enter a Montessori program at age two or three and stay at least through their kindergarten year. Learning which takes place during these years comes spontaneously wi
