Fundamental to Montessori's approach was a great respect for the child as an individual. To help the personality towards independence and an awareness of his real position in history appears a lofty aim but it is inherent in all that is done on the practical level of everyday activity. The path to this aim is through providing a supportive yet challenging environment, rich in experience and mindful of the child's capacities and needs. Leading the child towards mastering his environment is the formidable task which is attempted. Success requires an understanding of each child as an individual and an ordering of his specific environment in such a way that he develops progressively an understanding and refinement of his senses, an appreciation of his role as part of a group and above all an independence and sense of internal motivation which will sustain his desire to explore and wonder                     .