Terminology

Absorbent mind - The ability and ease with which the young child ages 0 to 6 learns unconsciously from his environment.

Reasoning mind - The emerging ability of the child in the elementary years to learn through abstraction and imagination.

The Control of error - The possibility inherent in the Montessori materials of making apparent the mistakes made by the child, thereby allowing him to see his errors and to correct them. This “friendliness with error” promotes self-discipline and increased motivation for learning.

Cosmic Education - Dr. Montessori’s plan for education appropriate to the developmental needs of the elementary age child. It is characterized by a multi-cultural, interdisciplinary, and interdependent approach.

Cycle of activity - Those periods of concentration on a particular task that should be worked to completion.

Deviated child - The child who has not yet found himself and thus is restless and difficult to control. He finds adjustment difficult and often escapes into a fantasy world.

Didactic materials - The instructive materials which allow for auto-education.

Discovery of the child - Dr. Montessori’s awareness and realization of the young child’s abilities and his spontaneous love of work and learning.

Freedom - The child’s free movements and experiences in an environment that provides a discipline through liberty and respects for his rights.

Normalized Child - The child who adapts easily and has acquired the self-discipline and control necessary to a healthy life.

Prepared environment - An atmosphere created to enable the child to be free to learn through activity in peaceful and orderly surroundings adapted to the child’s size and interests.