The Montessori classroom is typically more teacher initiated versus teacher centered as might be seen in a more typical pre-school classroom. The teachers role in the Montessori classroom is to maintain order and self-discipline, along with directing the children towards solving their own questions through the Montessori materials and the use of feedback from their peers. The child is an active participant in the learning process.

The use of manipulative materials is very important in the Montessori classroom. The Montessori method is built upon teaching the children by allowing them to discover questions and find the answers themselves. This process enhances the development of their cognitive and problem solving skills.

A very important part of the Montessori Classroom is the social interaction between the different age groups. The classroom allows for several age groups working together at one time. For example, in the 3-6 years of age classroom, the older children provide role models for the younger children and a sense of responsibility and importance is gained by the older children in the group.

The Montessori method, out of respect for the individual child, provides education on real-life experiences and responsibilities. For example, it is not uncommon to observe a 3 year old child in the afternoon go through the process of obtaining a snack for herself. She may need to wait until one of the three chairs at the snack table is open, then she obtains the correct number of apple wedges and crackers indicated by the plate and pours herself a glass of juice from the child size pitcher. She then carries her plate, juice and napkin to the snack table and enjoys her snack with one or two other children. After finishing her snack, she clears her dishes and cleans up her spot for the next child. The child has been taught the individual steps to the process of getting her own snack, along with a sense of responsibility for cleaning up after she is finished so that the next person is allowed the same opportunity. All of this occurs with little intervention from the Montessori teacher.

The daily routine of the child relies heavily on their own individual interests and choices. The teacher closely supervises to ensure that over an extended period of time, each child is exposed to all essential areas of the curriculum in the classroom.

A typical Montessori program relies heavily on parent involvement and support. It is very important that each parent understands the experiences that their child goes through eachday, and the philosophy and teaching behind those experiences. An open means of communication between teachers and parents is critical to the success of any Montessori program.

The Montessori method works to instill an excitement towards learning with each child and to develop their own internal motivation for continued learning.