How Children Learn Best in the Classroom

• With independence, while enjoying the presence of others but not relying on them
• During the first twelve years of life —the best time for learning grace and courtesy and for training their mind for thinking skills
• With others, older and younger, in an integrated, multi-aged classroom
• By using hands-on materials, which allows concentration, repetition, and self-correction
• Through self-motivation and with a natural desire to learn
• From teachers who direct activities, prepare the environment, and offer stimulation
• By using patterns of concentration, thoroughness, and order
• By acquiring “inner discipline” to learn and ultimately teach themselves

“The most important thing to remember is that it is the PARENT who is the child’s first teacher, role model, security symbol, and source of unconditional love and nurturing.” —Elizabeth Hainstock