The exercises of practical life are formative activities, a work of adaptation to the environment. Such adaptation to the environment and efficient functioning therein is the very essence of a useful education.

The first thing required of a teacher is that he be rightly disposed for his task.

The education of even a small child, therefore, does not aim at preparing him for school, but for life.

Never help a child with a task that they feel they can complete themselves.

We must clearly understand that when we give the child freedom and independence, we are giving freedom to a worker already braced for action, who cannot live without working and being active.

The child builds his inmost self out of the deeply held impressions he receives.

Independence is not a static condition; it is a continuous conquest, and in order to reach not only freedom, but also strength, and the perfecting on one's powers, it is necessary to follow this path of unremitting toil.