In a Montessori classroom all children work at their own pace and rhythm, taking into account their interests, strengths and weaknesses. This means a child with learning difficulties or a “gifted” child can be in the same class as they are able to work at a level that meets their particular needs.
One of the key characteristics of Montessori education is that it supports individualised learning. Each child has a tailored programme allowing children to work at their own ability level at a pace that is suitable for each of them as they experience their own learning pathway.
Practical Life activities in a Montessori classroom assist the child to control and coordinate their moments, and one of the earliest activities introduced in a 3-6 classroom is called “Walking on the Line”. Montessori saw this as a natural extension of something children liked to do (walking on curbs or tracks) and developed the activity not only to help them control their body, develop balance and perfect equilibrium, but to strengthen the mind’s control of its body’s movements.
