The mixed age group affords the child the opportunity to help and be helped by other children and to be a younger and later an older member in the group.  He/she is encouraged to be aware and considerate of the needs of other children and he/she finds him/herself a member of a small society, family grouped.  Language brings communication and independence.  The child explores the environment and makes his/her own discoveries about it.  Through order the child can help to create a logical and orderly mind from the myriad impressions he/she receives.  The child must learn to make decisions, choose an activity and have the perseverance to see it through.  The child needs challenging activities with a purpose.  Through movement the body and mind work together in harmony and satisfy other tendencies like concentration, repetition, imitation, exactness and calculation.

The Montessori environment is in proportion to the child and made attractive and inviting to encourage him to explore safely a wide range of carefully thought-out and tested materials.  The environment is arranged to allow the child to move freely.  Movement and activity are natural functions of childhood and joyful learning comes through them.  The child, who does not do, does not know how to do.  The child is the builder of the man.   A framework of simple rules helps him develop without abusing the freedom of others.  The potential of the young child is tremendous.  This can be encouraged by providing a supportive yet challenging environment, rich in experience and mindful of the child’s capacities and needs.  Leading the child towards mastering his/her environment is the formidable task which is attempted:  Independence and a sense of motivation which will sustain his/her desire to explore and wonder.  His/her learning experience in these early years will colour his/her whole approach to learning through to adulthood.  A non-competitive atmosphere allows the child to work at his/her own pace.  The teacher helps the child to further his/her own knowledge and carry out his/her own desires without impinging upon those of others.  The child is encouraged to join with others towards some common task and have a responsibility towards the group.  The environment must also prepare the child for the future, the world that he/she will live in.  Knowing the school the child will be attending in the future, helps the directress prepare him/her in advance.