Sensitive Periods

"Development is a series of rebirths." [from The Absorbent Mind, p. 19]

Children move through distinct phases in which they are narrowly absorbed in a single aspect of their environment. During each phase, they repeat certain actions with an internal vitality and joy, being drawn to vivid colors or touching flowers for example. These are periods in which children's personalities are directly influenced by the stirrings of their inner guide and interaction with their environment.

The following table offers a summary of major sensitive periods in a child's life. It's important to remember, however, two things. First, the order and length of sensitive periods varies with each child. A child's process must be respected. Second, as a child acquires knowledge, this knowledge becomes the basis for further learning. A wide range of earlier sensitive developments (physical, emotional, intellectual, etc) result in the 'explosion' into writing (listed below at 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 years) and reading (listed as 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 years.)

* [from The Essential Montessori, p. 58]

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