In Montessori education, what is focused on along with the development of manners?

In Montessori education, an integral aspect alongside the development of manners is the emphasis on nutrition and cleanliness. This approach is rooted in the belief that fostering personal responsibility in these areas contributes significantly to a child's overall development. Children in a Montessori environment engage in practical activities that involve food preparation, meal sharing, and learning about healthy eating habits, which not only teach them about nutrition but also encourage social skills as they interact with their peers.

Furthermore, cleanliness is another vital component of Montessori philosophy. Children are taught to care for their environment, which includes self-care practices such as handwashing and tidiness. This not only instills a sense of pride in their surroundings but also supports their understanding of health and hygiene, thereby promoting overall well-being. The focus on manners is inherently linked to these practices, as children learn to respect their own bodies and the spaces they inhabit, as well as those of others.

The other options do not directly align with the Montessori focus of nurturing social interactions through personal habits like manners. Academic readiness, physical activity, and creative arts are certainly important elements of a child's education; however, they do not address the holistic approach to manners through the lens of nutrition and cleanliness in the same way that option D does.