Why does Montessori encourage a three-year cycle in one classroom?
Montessori teaches us that the human personality comes into full engagement and self realization in successive stages and sub-stages of life – 0-3, 3-6, 6-9, 9-12, and beyond. Along the way, different things are introduced to these children within prepared environments, such as math, language, art and music. The design at each level of a Montessori class, which include Primary, Lower Elementary and, for some schools, Upper Elementary, has the child’s individual and physiological development in mind. The three year cycle allows the Guide to follow the natural transitions occurring within each child over a period of development, enabling them to meet the child’s individual needs and/or interests when those sensitive periods arise.
