Human Development is the process of becoming; the process one goes through after birth to reach maturity. It is both physical and psychological and is directed by an energy which has been called the Horme, defined as an irresistible drive which is inherent in all living organisms which urges them to assume their specific bodies and their appropriate behavior. (Montessori, Mario)

“The fundamental fact is that the child cannot develop himself if he has not at his disposal objects that allow him to be active. Hitherto it has been thought that higher development would come only from the direct teaching of educators. This is not true; development comes from the environment. Between the individual and the objects in the environment there is a close correspondence, and from this depends something fundamentally necessary to the life of man. I repeat again that the child needs a prepared environment in order to be active, and that the objects within it are the food of his spirit.” (Montessori, Maria, Communications, 1963 Issue 1-2, p, 4) “… All babies have the same psychological needs, and follow the same sequence of events, in attaining to human stature. Every one of us has to pass through the same phases of growth.” (Montessori, Maria, The Absorbent Mind, p. 66)