Book 4, Part 4 : Chapter 1, XV & XVI: The Fundamental Problem & Prepared Environment Summary and Analysis

Readers will be very happy about a basic principle found in the first of these two chapters. Most schools in North America and Europe are built with the size of the students in mind and catered to. The Montessori method emphasizes that a correctly prepared environment for learning includes in its structure, design, and equipment the proper order for the best developmental opportunities for the children.

There is a short anecdote provided in the book that clarifies the distinction between adult tastes and those of children. Fancy marble tables, and excellent sophisticated healthy meals are often deeply appreciated by adults. Children, however, need light colored tables as they are better for teaching the difference between dirty and clean. Children will often honestly scoff...