Dr. Montessori observed that children are comfortable and secure in prepared environments in which every object has its place and activities are performed in an orderly fashion. In our classroom, each child may choose an activity and pursue it, working alone or with others in a mixed age group, allowing children to learn from and help each other without competitive pressure. The materials in the classroom are designed to be experienced on a multi-sensorial level and with a minimum of adult instruction. Montessori sensorial materials isolate specific concepts such as size or shape and invite children to develop these concepts on a concrete basis. Practical life activities such as buttoning, pouring and washing enable the young child to acquire a wide range of skills necessary in building the child's self-confidence and self-image as a successful and capable person.