In a Montessori school, children are given the opportunity to move from the concrete learning environment, the development of motor skills and all the senses through self teaching, self correcting materials into the abstract world of ideas and concepts, all at their own pace. However, in order to be successful and avoid frustration, children must be allowed to fully experience the first stage before moving on to the second. Children must have the concrete preparation before they are ready to develop academically to their full potential.

"Explosion into Learning"
It is usually in the third critical year, when children are about five years old, when this progression occurs. It is referred to as the 'explosion into learning'. This is the time when all the learning absorbed by children during the two preceding years of Montessori training suddenly fits together. The children begin to read, write, do math and show other bursts of intellectual and emotional growth. Those who do not begin reading and writing in the third year, usually do so the next, apparently with no effort because they have experienced the preparation they required.

Reinforcing Good Habits
The longer children have to reinforce good habits and learning skills, the higher the probability that they will be internalized and made a permanent part of their development.

The Love of Learning
Learning habits established at a young age will make a difference in how children perform later in school and beyond into their everyday life. A good Montessori school cultivates qualities such as initiative, concentration, self-discipline, a sense of order, completion of tasks, responsibility, creative self-expression and the love of learning.

The Foundation of Learning
The third year in a Montessori foundation classroom is so productive - everything the children have learned seems to fall into place and they are ready to meet many new challenges. The foundation of learning is in place.