A Montessori education is focused on teaching and understanding. Active learning through hands-on activities and exercises rather than "book learning" is emphasized in order to encourage the development of the creative and analytical mind. Dr. Montessori always emphasized that the hand is the chief teacher of the child. All equipment in a Montessori classroom allows a child to use their hands in the learning process. The tactile and kinesthetic system of leaning permanently reinforces the skill to be learned-'muscular memory' is a strong tool in the classroom. The special equipment that Dr. Montessori used is called "auto-didactic" which means "self-correcting." Today, we refer to these tools as "Montessori equipment" or just "materials."

When we combine the Montessori equipment with child sized tables and chairs, low stimulation and teachers eager to assist the child's exploration, we call this the prepared environment. After the child has been taught how to use each set of materials, he or she is free to select materials independently and allow to study his or her chosen materials uninterrupted. The prepared environment will look different at each level of education, but the principles that remain unchanged are order, beauty, and simplicity.