The curriculum works from the large concept to the more refined. Concepts are introduced through hands-on materials which encourage and engage the child and assist in an understanding of concepts before they are committed to memory. As the child enters the next phase, from 9 to 12, the world is an ever-expanding place. The horizons of the imagination increase and concepts may be presented and abstracted with fewer manipulative materials. The students' hands-on activities broaden in scope and include practical application outside the classroom.
Projects become more involved and diverse in nature.
Because the child goes through these various stages, Montessori classrooms are organized into three year age groupings. This allows a greater flexibility in meeting each child's individual needs. Children of mixed ages are grouped together in a Montessori classroom and a child will spend more than one year with the same teacher. Older children to model appropriate behavior for the younger children. The more knowledgeable students assist the less knowledgeable.