What is the unbroken three hours:
Three consecutive hours, where the children can work in the Montessori environment, without other engrossing activities (e.g. foreign language lessons, music, art,…) and without interruption (disruption).
Why it is important:
Through observation, Maria Montessori understood that by giving children freedom, they display a work cycle, so predictable, that it is depicted graphically. This is a peak (mountain), a flat part (plain) and again a peak (mountain). This cycle lasts about three hours.
He also noticed that this time reveals that preschool children are able to concentrate (devote), without distraction for a long time on a task (game) that appeals to them. Thus the child conquers through his work, concentration.
Concentration is a skill that develops through the will of the child spontaneously
Through his work, the child begins to repeatedly experience periods of concentration, which lead him to what Maria Montessori characterized as normal development: the love of work, the attachment to reality, the love of silence and individual work. These children are characterized by enthusiasm, generosity and solidarity.