They remember their experiences in school which may have been unpleasant and are not sure they want to subject their child to a school experience before it is absolutely necessary. Yet the parents feel their child could benefit from association with other children and from a specially prepared and stimulating environment. Montessori education addresses itself to early childhood education. A Montessori preschool is neither a babysitting service nor a regimented place where the child is forced to achieve. A Montessori school offers the child the opportunity to develop individually within a carefully defined structure.
School is a natural and enjoyable experience.
Furthermore, Montessori believed the years from three to six were crucial in the child s development. She said that the child has sensitive periods, which differ from critical periods. A sensitive period is one in which the child has a natural desire to acquire a particular trait or skill. She occupies herself with certain activities with an interest and concentration she will never again display for those activities. A critical period is one in which the child must acquire the skill during that time or she will never acquire it, whereas a sensitive period is one in which the child desires to accomplish a particular task.