The Prepared Environment

"So we have to ask ourselves what we ought to do, and what kind of environment to make, if we want to help the child. [I]f it is a newborn baby who has to construct his adaptation, what kind of environment can we prepare for him?

In today's thought, there is no answer.  But actually, the baby's natural environment is the world, everything that lies around about him. To learn a language he must live with those who speak it, otherwise he will not be able to do so. If he is to acquire special mental powers, he must live people who constantly use those powers. The manners, habits, and customs of his group can only be derived from mingling with those who possess them."

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Maria Montessori, The Absorbent Mind