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128 City Road, London, Greater London. EC1V 2NX
(+44) 7355-770-660
info@londonmontessorian.com
128 City Road, London, Greater London. EC1V 2NX
(+44) 7355-770-660
info@londonmontessorian.com
Sensitive periods are critical stages in a child's development when their capacity to learn specific skills is at its peak. It is as if their curiosity and ability to absorb information are finely tuned to particular frequencies at just the right moments. Maria Montessori recognised that children are innately equipped with an inner guide that draws their attention selectively to the elements around them that are most relevant to their developmental needs. Thus, a child might show an intense fascination with language, numbers, or sensory activities while other stimuli remain around them. This selective attention is a natural part of their growth, guiding them to master skills essential for their stage of development.
The sensitive period for refinement of the senses spans from the prenatal stage up to the age of four. Young children are innately driven to discover the world around them, often using their mouths to explore objects as they begin to crawl. This is more than just tasting, it is an early form of learning to synchronise their senses. Even at a tender age, children start to display selective sensory responses, meaning they tune into the sights, sounds, textures, tastes, and smells they find most intriguing. This selectivity is a natural tool to prevent sensory overload and is influenced by previous experiences. Maria Montessori placed great emphasis on the importance of nurturing children's sensory discrimination, creating activities specifically aimed at developing their sensory perceptions. The richness and variety of sensory stimuli in a child's environment play a crucial role in developing their sensory discrimination abilities.
The journey of physical development in children develops in separate stages.
Initial Phase : From Birth to 2.5 Years
During this initial stage, children are developing their motor skills, both gross motor skills, like crawling and walking, and fine motor skills, such as grasping objects with their hands. The freedom to move and explore is critical for their growth, and confining spaces or equipment can hinder this natural progression. With many parents now working remotely, children may be at home more and thus spend more time on such restrictive devices for convenience.
The foundation for language development is laid from the moment a baby first senses the rhythm and patterns of speech through the hum of conversations, the distinct tones of voice, and the ambient sounds around them. It is the prime window for children to absorb languages, including the possibility of learning more than one. As infants coo and babble, every bit of language they hear from you helps them shape their speech.
Toddlers have a natural fascination with the small details of the world around them, often spotting the tiniest elements that adults might overlook. This heightened attention to detail becomes especially obvious as they begin to crawl, leading to moments where they excitedly discover and often attempt to taste every little speck they find on the ground. It's common for toddlers to gather and explore small items, which can sometimes end up in less-than-ideal places like their noses or ears!
When sharing a book with a three-year-old, your aim might be to guide them towards recognising letters or words; however, you will often find they are intrigued by the most intricate details in the illustrations, details that our adult eyes may not initially see. These moments are not just about curiosity, they are building blocks for developing the kind of focus and engagement that are essential for lifelong learning.
The sensitive period for developing a sense of order begins as a child reaches their first year and often intensifies around 18 months. Structure and predictability in daily routines are not only beneficial but crucial for toddlers at this stage, as they form their foundational understanding of the world. A consistent order in their lives provides a sense of safety and stability amidst the dynamic nature of their surroundings. Regular routines contribute to the internal mental organisation of children, helping them to navigate and make sense of their environment. In Montessori settings, simplicity and structure are key, spaces are organised to ensure that everything has its place, allowing children to easily find and return to activities that have caught their interest. During this period, it is normal to observe children arranging their toys in lines or patterns as they engage with their developing sense of order. Disruptions in their routine can be challenging, and children may exhibit emotional responses when unexpected changes occur without prior notice. As they learn about their capacity to influence their environment by repositioning objects, offering them tasks that foster an understanding of order becomes vital. Dr. Montessori believed that a well-ordered environment is instrumental for a child’s self-construction, as it promotes their independence and freedom.
This timeframe marks a sensitive period where children show heightened interest in and capacity for toilet learning. As they approach their first birthday, many toddlers start to notice and understand their body's signals for needing the bathroom. Typically, by 18 months, they begin to gain control over their bladder and bowels. It's good for parents to start introducing toilet routines at this stage, focusing on the child's natural inclination to learn this skill rather than resorting to external motivators like bribes and rewards.
The sensitive period for refinement of the senses spans from the prenatal stage up to the age of four. Young children are innately driven to discover the world around them, often using their mouths to explore objects as they begin to crawl. This is more than just tasting, it is an early form of learning to synchronise their senses. Even at a tender age, children start to display selective sensory responses, meaning they tune into the sights, sounds, textures, tastes, and smells they find most intriguing. This selectivity is a natural tool to prevent sensory overload and is influenced by previous experiences. Maria Montessori placed great emphasis on the importance of nurturing children's sensory discrimination, creating activities specifically aimed at developing their sensory perceptions. The richness and variety of sensory stimuli in a child's environment play a crucial role in developing their sensory discrimination abilities.
The journey of physical development in children develops in separate stages.
Initial Phase : From Birth to 2.5 Years
During this initial stage, children are developing their motor skills, both gross motor skills, like crawling and walking, and fine motor skills, such as grasping objects with their hands. The freedom to move and explore is critical for their growth, and confining spaces or equipment can hinder this natural progression. With many parents now working remotely, children may be at home more and thus spend more time on such restrictive devices for convenience.
The foundation for language development is laid from the moment a baby first senses the rhythm and patterns of speech through the hum of conversations, the distinct tones of voice, and the ambient sounds around them. It is the prime window for children to absorb languages, including the possibility of learning more than one. As infants coo and babble, every bit of language they hear from you helps them shape their speech.
Toddlers have a natural fascination with the small details of the world around them, often spotting the tiniest elements that adults might overlook. This heightened attention to detail becomes especially obvious as they begin to crawl, leading to moments where they excitedly discover and often attempt to taste every little speck they find on the ground. It's common for toddlers to gather and explore small items, which can sometimes end up in less-than-ideal places like their noses or ears!
When sharing a book with a three-year-old, your aim might be to guide them towards recognising letters or words; however, you will often find they are intrigued by the most intricate details in the illustrations, details that our adult eyes may not initially see. These moments are not just about curiosity, they are building blocks for developing the kind of focus and engagement that are essential for lifelong learning.
Encourage your child's curiosity by providing them with a variety of objects to investigate. This kind of exploration is key to honing their sensory perception, improving their fine motor skills, and deepening their ability to stay focused.
When organising your home, consider what is within your child's reach or at their eye level. Aim to create an environment where they do not constantly have restrictions or the word ""No."" Frequent denials can be frustrating for them and may even contribute to a rebellious ""No"" phase.
Keep a close eye on your child during this explorative stage. Since toddlers are known to explore with their mouths, it is crucial to offer them appropriate tools that can facilitate safe discovery. Providing them with harmless, edible options and engaging them in transfer activities that involve their hands or tools like tongs can be both educational and enjoyable for them."
The sensitive period for developing a sense of order begins as a child reaches their first year and often intensifies around 18 months. Structure and predictability in daily routines are not only beneficial but crucial for toddlers at this stage, as they form their foundational understanding of the world. A consistent order in their lives provides a sense of safety and stability amidst the dynamic nature of their surroundings. Regular routines contribute to the internal mental organisation of children, helping them to navigate and make sense of their environment. In Montessori settings, simplicity and structure are key, spaces are organised to ensure that everything has its place, allowing children to easily find and return to activities that have caught their interest. During this period, it is normal to observe children arranging their toys in lines or patterns as they engage with their developing sense of order. Disruptions in their routine can be challenging, and children may exhibit emotional responses when unexpected changes occur without prior notice. As they learn about their capacity to influence their environment by repositioning objects, offering them tasks that foster an understanding of order becomes vital. Dr. Montessori believed that a well-ordered environment is instrumental for a child’s self-construction, as it promotes their independence and freedom.
This timeframe marks a sensitive period where children show heightened interest in and capacity for toilet learning. As they approach their first birthday, many toddlers start to notice and understand their body's signals for needing the bathroom. Typically, by 18 months, they begin to gain control over their bladder and bowels. It's good for parents to start introducing toilet routines at this stage, focusing on the child's natural inclination to learn this skill rather than resorting to external motivators like bribes and rewards.