What is the great task of each child in montessori education?

In Montessori education, the great task of each child is the development of the self. This isn't just about academics; it encompasses the development of the whole child – intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically. It's about fostering independence, self-reliance, and a love of learning that will carry them throughout their lives. The academic work is a *means* to this end, not the end itself.