Why do the children use the materials individually? Do they learn to share?
The children need freedom to explore the materials without interruptions. Just as adults dislike distractions when involved in a task, so children prefer to complete their activities without distractions. In the Montessori environment, they develop their ability to focus their attention. Without unnecessary interruptions, their attention span increases and they develop concentration skills. Before children spontaneously share, they must feel free to not share. In the Montessori environment, the adults protect their right to explore an activity by themselves at their own pace. Sharing evolves naturally from the classroom experience. When they desire, they share by communicating with and helping others. The sharing is natural and spontaneous because it comes from within the child, rather than being forced arbitrarily by an adult.
