The child's conquest of independence begins with his first introduction to life. While he is developing, he perfects himself and overcomes every obstacle that he finds in his path. A vital force is active within him, and this guides his efforts towards their goal. It is a force called the 'horme', by Sir Percy Nunn.

The teacher's task is not a small easy one! She has to prepare a huge amount of knowledge to satisfy the child's mental hunger. She is not like the ordinary teacher, limited by a syllabus. The needs of the child are clearly more difficult to answer.

The development of the child during the first three years after birth is unequaled in intensity and importance by any period that precedes or follows in the whole life of the child.

The activity of the child has always been looked upon as an expression of his vitality.

It is not enough for the teacher to love the child. She must first love and understand the universe. She must prepare herself, and truly work at it.

This then is the first duty of an educator: to stir up life but leave it free to develop.

Only through freedom and environmental experience is it practically possible for human development to occur.