You’ve heard of sensitive periods in Montessori but you have no clue what it is. Maybe you just don’t know how to recognize them yet or even support them.
No worries I got you!
Here is a simple but complete guide for you to learn everything you need about sensitive periods in Montessori.
According to Maria Montessori sensitive periods are crucial in children’s development and it’s essential for us parents or teachers to recognize them and support them to guide our children the best way we can.
So what are sensitive periods in Montessori? How do you recognize sensitive periods? And how do you support them?
What Are Sensitive Periods In Montessori?
“When a particular sensitiveness is aroused in a child, it is like a light that shines on some objects but not others, making of them his whole world” – Maria Montessori
If you’ve sometimes noticed your child was obsessed with repeating a task, what you’re saying, or transferring from one pot to another one, this means you’ve come to observe your child’s sensitive periods.
A sensitive period is a phase when a child is more responsive and sensitive to a certain skill, certain objects, and activities. The sensitives periods are an expression of how children are self-motivated to learn from their environment.
The sensitive periods allow children to develop new skill sets through a focused interest in a certain knowledge area. They have an increased capacity to develop their language, movement, senses, etc …
They are six major Montessori sensitive periods (or 11 sometimes) and each offers a special sensitivity to a skill set and development.
These sensitive periods don’t strictly follow each other and can happen at different times, they can overlap and are temporary.
Each sensitive period lasts for as long as the child needs to reach a particular milestone or master a skill.
Sensitive Period For Order
From birth to 6yo
From birth, children are very sensitive to order. It helps them to understand their environment and to give it a sense. It’s essential for them to build their mind and thoughts. It gives them safety.
A need for repetition, routines, and consistency characterizes this period. A need for time and space to be organized.
Sensitive Period For Movement
From 1yo to 4yo
Movements that are instinctive to children from birth become coordinated and controlled. From grasping to walking, children build their independence and reflection through movement.
Sensitive Period For Language
From birth to 6yo
Periods of intense communication and use of words and vocabulary. First, it’s babbling, then words, and finally sentences.
Up to 6-year-old children are able to absorb, and assimilate any language. After 7 years old the sensitive period dissipates and they’ll have to learn.
Around 3-4 years old children become naturally sensitive to writing and will follow the reading.
Sensitive Period For Small Objects
Around 2yo
Children’s tendency to focus on small objects and tiny details in their environment. They notice what we don’t.
This could be because of a need to foster fine motricity or also a late development of their sight. Only hypotheses about it, not a certainty.
Sensitive Period For Senses
From 1yo to 5yo
During this period, also called refinement of the senses, we observe children focusing on sensorial experiences such as touch, taste, sound, smell, and more.
This is for them to developpe their sensorial discrimination. This is a crucial phase for them to developpe their logic and reasoning.
Sensitive Period Of Social Skills
From 2yo to 6yo
A sensitive period where children learn to be conscious of themselves and others. They build their identity but also their part of a group.
A phase based on imitation and internalization of behaviors and qualities
How Do You Recognize Sensitive Periods In Montessori?
So now that you have an idea of what a sensitive period is, you might wonder how to recognize one.
No worries it is easier than you think.
Ever wondered why your child asks you to sing a song again and again? Or draw the saw sheep over and over? Not only to drive you crazy but to express their sensitivity.
They are certain behaviors that can help you recognize these periods such as intense focus, mimicking, and obsessive interest. Strong emotional responses such as tantrums can also be a cue for these periods.
Here are a few clues that can help you notice which sensitive period your child is into:
Order
- A desire for routine, repetition, consistency
- Putting things in order
- Rearranging things
- Not liking or correcting something we put back in the wrong spot
Movement
- Like transferring liquids and objects from one recipient to another
- Looking at their hands (for younger children)
Language
- Repeats words, sounds, etc …
- Asks for a particular song, over and over
- Repeats what you’re saying
- Interest in reading, writing, letters, symbols
- Looks at your mouth when you talk
Small Objects
- Plays with the smallest legos and toys around the house
- Asks about tiny details
- Picks up small stones, flowers, or objects during walks
Senses
- Put things in the mouth
- Strong interest in smells
- Strong interest in touch and small objects
Social Behavior
- Strong interest in social activities
- Request to see friends, family members, …
- Strong interest in courtesy and grace rituals such as “thank you”, “please’, …
How Do You Support Sensitive Periods In Montessori?
Providing a learning environment that fits perfectly your child’s needs so he can develop to his full potential. This is where we start talking about the prepared environment. I talk more about the prepared environment and how to set it up at home here.
But more simply recognizing and supporting are based on observing and allowing your child’s development. It is about providing the right materials and time that will stimulate and respect their interests and passions.
Here is a simple idea of what you can do to support your child’s development during each sensitive period:
Order
You can establish a solid routine in an organized environment. Bedtime and mealtime routines can be a first solid base. Regular outdoor activities and indoor activities.
Movement
You can provide fine motor skills activities such as drawing and writing. Practical life activities are great as well: washing hands, cutting veggies, whipping, etc …
Regular outdoor activities such as going to the park, for walks, and sports, etc …
Language
You can provide strong language stimulation such as conversation, reading, and singing. Try to interrupt the less you can.
Speak to them in clear language, even when they’re only blabbing you should answer with correct words and sentences. Try to enunciate more than one word at a time so they can increase their vocabulary. I.E: “a red car” instead of just a “car”.
Small Objects
Share their interest with them. Provide fine motricity activities with small objects.
Senses
Provide a lot of opportunities to observe and explore. Try some discrimination activities such as pairing objects from the same categories: sweet, salty, rough, soft, same colors, etc …
Check out these fun taste-safe sensory activities to do with babies and toddlers.
Social Behaviors
Provide a lot of opportunities for social interaction. It can be going to the playground, childcare, or meeting with the family, … You can pretend play and model social behaviors, for example, pretend to play “Ice cream truck sale”.
FAQ
What Is A Sensitive Period According To Montessori?
It is a phase or period where a child focuses all his interest and capacity on developing a certain skill.
What Are Examples Of Sensitive Periods?
Here is an idea of the Montessori sensitive periods: Order, Movement, Small Objects, Language, Senses, and Social Behaviors.
How Many Sensitive Periods Are There In Montessori?
Most people talk about 6 major sensitive periods in Montessori but you can find 11 in total:
- Order,
- movement,
- small objects,
- language,
- senses,
- social behaviors or Grace and courtesy,
- music,
- writing,
- reading,
- mathematics,
- and spatial relationships.
What Is The Sensitive Period Of Development?
The sensitive period of development is another term that refers to the sensitive periods from Maria Montessori. This idea was already developed by Hugo de Vries and then rethinked by Maria Montessori.
Voilà!
Now you should have a better idea of what is a sensitive period and more importantly what to do about it. No worries if you think you’ve missed some, we usually provide the right stimulation without knowing it.
But now you can start to observe your child’s cues with expert eyes.
You can now arm yourself with patience when you’ll be asked to sing “The Wheels on The bus” over and over.
Let me know how you recognize your child’s sensitive periods and what activities you do to support them. I would love to hear from you.