As parents and educators, our role is to nurture the innate potential within each child. Dr. Maria Montessori understood this deeply and identified specific windows of time in a child’s development when they are particularly receptive to learning certain skills. These windows, known as sensitive periods, are a vital component of Montessori education.
A sensitive period is a phase during which a child’s mind is uniquely open to absorbing specific aspects of their environment. Whether it’s language, movement, order, or social interaction, during this time, the child’s ability to learn and develop those skills is unparalleled. These periods are brief, intense, and powerful. They’re like beacons of opportunity, and when adults recognize and support them, children can achieve extraordinary growth.
As Dr. Montessori said,
"When a particular sensitiveness is aroused in a child, it is like a light that shines on some objects but not on others, making of them his whole world."
This focused passion becomes evident as children repeatedly return to an activity, showing enthusiasm, energy, and a deep engagement with the task at hand. It’s during these moments that children are laying the foundation for lifelong skills and abilities.
How Sensitive Periods Show Up in Montessori Classrooms
In our classrooms at Montessori School of Franklin, we see sensitive periods come to life every day. Children show heightened interest in specific activities, driven by an internal need to master a skill. For example:
Language Development: Between birth and age six, children are especially attuned to language. They absorb sounds, words, and sentence structures effortlessly during this time.
Order: Around the age of two, many children experience a sensitivity to order, which explains why they may insist on certain routines or have a strong preference for organization. This desire for order helps them make sense of their surroundings and build cognitive understanding.
Movement: From birth to age five, children are in a sensitive period for developing fine and gross motor skills. During this time, you may notice them gravitating towards activities that involve hand-eye coordination, balance, and physical manipulation.
Our Montessori environment is designed to support these sensitive periods by offering materials that align with each child’s developmental stage. The freedom to choose their activities allows children to follow their natural interests and progress at their own pace, making learning a joyful and fulfilling experience.
Our Role as Adults
Recognizing sensitive periods in your child is essential. As Dr. Montessori noted, children possess "very powerful capacities" during these phases. It’s our responsibility to observe, encourage, and provide the right tools and environment for them to flourish. This might mean allowing your child extra time with activities they’re drawn to or introducing materials that challenge and engage them in new ways.
Sensitive periods don’t last forever, and when they pass, the ease of learning those particular skills decreases. By understanding and supporting these unique developmental windows, we can empower children to make the most important acquisitions with joy and confidence.
Mrs. Bunmi
Mrs. Bunmi began her Montessori teaching career in Nigeria in 2006. She joined MSF in 2008 and has been a cornerstone of the Montessori School of Franklin for more than 16 years. With an Association Montessori International (AMI) Certification and a BSC in Microbiology, Mrs. Bunmi's expertise is both vast and profound. Her unwavering dedication to the Montessori philosophy is a testament to her belief that "Montessori is not a trend; it is a philosophy and it works. The method is consistent, and the materials are beautiful; the materials are the same in any Montessori classroom around the world." Beyond her professional accolades, including being named The Nashville Scene's best private school teacher, Mrs. Bunmi’s life is enriched by her love for cooking and cherishing moments with her husband and two daughters. Her passion for nurturing relationships is as profound as her impact in the classroom, making her a truly exceptional educator.
At Montessori School of Franklin, we are dedicated to honoring the individual journey of each child, helping them unlock their full potential during these precious sensitive periods.
If you're curious about how Montessori principles like the sensitive period can shape your child's growth, schedule a visit to our campus and see our classrooms in action!
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