Montessori discovered that children are drawn to specific actions at certain times in their development between the ages of birth and 6 years of age. The word sensitive here means that children have a particular “sensibility” to some actions and not to others (Secret of Childhood).  These sensitive periods influence the development of a child. Children become naturally attracted to activities that involve learning language, movement, refining the senses, order, small objects and socialization.

These sensitive periods are transient and time sensitive.

There are natural times in a child’s life that different stages of learning take place. How to talk, how to walk, how to socialize and how to develop and heighten senses are innate developmental processes.  It is a fact that if these developmental windows of opportunity are not realized, the effects can be felt long into adulthood.

We have seen a toddler express their independence and opinion in whatever they are involved in.  We have heard the famous toddler expression, “No”.  During the age of 2 and 2.5 the child is  establishing their independence and will to do things in a certain way.  A child wants to do things by themselves.  This takes a tremendous amount of patience from adults.  However, the long term benefits outweigh the short term pain. If we recognize and respect the child’s will, then self direction and independence become inherent growth patterns in them.

We also have noticed how young children feel a sense of joy when they put things back in their proper places.  Also, have you noticed how calm a child feels when their days are scheduled and go according to plan?  And how tantrums occur when things are out of place and schedules are changed? This is because there are obstacles (we adults) have put in place of their natural sensitivity to order.

In addition, a two year old realizes that they have the power in them to use “yes” or “no” so they can address their individual needs.  This is natural.  It’s not until the age of 5 or 6 that a child can truly understand about working in groups and not pay attention to themselves as an individual in the group.  It is unrealistic to constantly ask our children to think about another’s needs ( ie: in a play group setting),  as that sensitive period has not been developed yet. So moms—please don’t worry if your child is having trouble sharing their toys at 2.5!  Gently remind them and be rest assured they will learn at the natural given time provided they have experienced empathy and kindness.

Before the age of 6, learning is effortless.  That’s why teaching a child multiple languages before this age will remain with them for the rest of their lives, down to the accent and nuances.  The child is attracted to learning written and verbal language. In the Montessori environment, they are using their whole hand to decipher sounds and letters.  They are moving using the moveable alphabet to compose words.  They are at the same time developing, hand eye coordination and other senses are being refined.  The child is not only putting together letters to make words but their aural sense is also developing as they are hearing each individual letter sound.  Words like “drum” are sounding crystal clear, and no more sound like “jrum”.  As a result,  their diction also becomes clear and pronounced.

Montessori teachers are trained to recognize and make the most out of these sensitive periods. Parents can also be of genuine assistance to the child.  Maria Montessori herself says,

“It comes for a moment but its benefits last for a life time”.