This book is a day-by-day record of how and why four- and five-year olds learn, described by a teacher who uses many of the Montessori materials, and emphasizes the discipline and attraction to learning that come from within. The first chapter relates the teacher's theories on education, while the remaining five chapters consist of diary entries discussing classroom life, language instruction, mathematics instruction, interaction with gifted and learning-disabled students, and personal development. In addition, appendixes describe the classroom schedule; classroom materials used for room care, art, geography, science, and cultural, personal, and sensorial experiences; language and mathematics materials; key introductory Montessori mathematics materials; and vocabulary instruction. (AEA)