The elementary child is described by Dr Maria Montessori as a learner who occupies the second plane of development. This is a stage in which children experience rapid intellectual growth and develop ability to think rationally and can be regarded as the sensitive period.

Children at this stage wants to understand the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of things. This happens through exploring and experimenting. Due to psychological, physical and social changes the elementary child develops cognitively, linguistically, socially, emotionally, morally and spiritually. The elementary child is always discovering the qualities and facts of the world.

The elementary child’s needs in all aspect of life dramatically changes due to the transition from primary level into elementary school as indicated by Montessori theory of the four planes of development.

There is a very huge difference between Traditional teacher and Montessori elementary adult in the way they both follow a different system and their roles in child development. In traditional schools the teacher is an instructor who is supposed to work according a certain curriculum, feeding the children with information and is the centre of attention.

On the other hand the Montessori elementary adult is considered to be a consultant, a director who guides the child according to each child’s learning path. The major differences between a traditional teacher and Montessori elementary adult are outlined below.

According to Montessori (2006) the role of the traditional teacher is to instruct all the children at class level and give them same curriculum to be completed at the same pace.

According to Dr Maria Montessori’s theory, the elementary adult can be described as a guide to individual learners as they perform their different activities.

The elementary adult is a scientific observer who establishes, maintains and utilises a prepared environment run on child’s time. s/he should be active and objective as s/he lead the child toward independence.

The elementary adult should understand the Montessori system and be able to present the Montessori equipment to the children. Love and commitment should be one of the qualities possessed by an ideal Montessori Adult.

• Develops critical thinking skills.
• Improves social skills.
• Supports emotional development.
• Enhances creativity and imagination.
• Fosters a love of learning.
• Develops fine motor skills.
• Encourages problem-solving.
• Supports language development.