What are the elements that make up authentic Montessori? Is Montessori something concrete or abstract? Are there intangibles that make Montessori what it is? Many classrooms today have Montessori materials and small tables and chairs. Are they authentic Montessori? When examining areas that traditionally make defining authentic Montessori problematic, one may focus on the tangible. What is really at the heart of implementing authentic Montessori? An essential element of authentic Montessori is respect for the child through the provision of a prepared environment that allows children to make choices while encouraging and supporting independence, curiosity, intrinsic motivation, and movement. Teachers engage observation as a tool to uncover the needs of the child and the classroom community. However, the author suggests that the pivotal piece of authenticity is the preparedness of the teacher beyond the credential. She believes it reaches farther than "the guide's ability to observe and respond to each student's individual needs."