The great task of education must be to secure and to preserve a normality which, of its own nature, gravitates toward the center of perfection.
—Maria Montessori
The Absorbent Mind, p. 239.
The Absorbent Mind, p. 239.
In Chapter 23, Dr. Montessori explains that the fundamental difference between her method and conventional methods is based on the social cohesion found within the environment. This cohesion, she tells us, springs spontaneously when we allow the child to develop based on their needs. These needs are inherent in all children and are set forth by nature. “It is the society of little children who are guided by the magical powers of nature. We must value it and treasure it, because neither the character nor the social sentiment can be given by teachers. They are the products of life.” (p. 234)
