Materials and activities at the Little School are chosen carefully, keeping in mind the developmental needs of each particular age group as well as each individual child. The primary focus is on traditional early childhood materials like blocks, clay, sand and water; as well as materials of creative expression such as paints, collage materials and dramatic play materials. In the older classes, the children begin to explore open-ended math and science materials. And, in all the classrooms, there are thoughtfully selected children’s books from folk and fairy tales to information books on topics ranging from animals to vehicles. All materials are placed at child height on clearly labeled shelves so that children can feel ownership of them as well as a sense of responsibility for putting materials away.