Last night, at our Back to School Night, our Primary and Elementary teachers led a panel discussion on the progression of writing and the quest for knowledge in the Montessori environment for children ages 2.5 until 12 years old. Brought to light was the amazing levels of learning for the younger children that build the foundation for the awe inspiring work of the elementary. Three year old students may do work, such as knob cylinders, that do not incorporate any paper or pencils but they are building muscle memory and strength for future writing work. When children are introduced to their letters it is in cursive, rather than print, because the circular motions are natural movements for them. Building the strength and movements, and learning by phonetics, sets a foundation for expression. When children are around 5 they can use these tools to write lists and stories from the objects in their world, their interests, and their imaginations. This freedom spurs on their interest to learn more and they are presented the tools to go out and research. In the elementary classroom students hone their penmanship and researching abilities to ever expand their knowledge. Children learn not just to ask who?, what?, where?, when?, why?, how?, but by whom? for what purpose? And gain deeper levels of learning.