Sweetness of character may give way to a hardness which continues until adolescence and this age may be an age of rudeness. But Montessori explained this change in terms of Nature's logic, whose aim is to arouse in the child not only a hunger for knowledge and understanding but also a claim to mental independence, a desire to distinguish good and evil by one's own power, and to resist limitation by arbitrary authority. II One of Montessori's basic principles is that the adult should understand the Natural tendencies driving the child at each Plane of Development and cooperate with rather than go against Nature. Children read and follow independent study cards which give direction to their individualized program and to their researches. Reading is an integral part of all cultural lessons.
Writing is used in almost every academic experience.
Cursive is begun immediately, as this style follows the child's natural movements more than does printing. This flows naturally from the 3-6 year old experience with sensorial materials. History, Biology, and Geography are studied as interrelated aspects of the same world. History begins with the concept of time and progresses through a study of the Fundamental Needs of Humans and Stages in the progress of Civilization. IV Inclusion of opportunities for study and projects on various levels of thinking is essential, especially in the elementary years.