#SENSITIVE PERIOS MONTESSORI HOW TO#
#SENSITIVE PERIOS MONTESSORI WINDOWS#

Sensitivity to order can be characterised by a desire for consistency and repetition, where children crave routine and structure.

#SENSITIVE PERIOS MONTESSORI HOW TO#

This period of development teaches how to develop their reasoning skills, organise information, and understand their environment. The sensitive period for order begins at birth, peaks in the second year of development, and continues through to around age five. This is because they are likely to be in a sensitive period for learning, and their ‘work’ is being interrupted. The ‘terrible twos’ for example, are often an exaggerated reaction to small disruptions in order that may not be perceived by adults. Break a routine that a child is attempting to understand and master, such as getting dressed, bath time or bedtime, and some children will emotionally fall apart. Interrupting a child while they are in the middle of an intense sensitive period can result in a powerful emotional response such as a tantrum. Other characteristics of sensitive periods may include mimicking, intense concentration, and compulsive or obsessive behaviours. Have you ever wondered why your child wants to repeat the same song or story a million times? It may drive you crazy, but these are classic symptoms of sensitivity. Recognising sensitive periods in your child’s development may be easier than you think. These periods of special sensitivity are only temporary and fade once the aim is accomplished. Each sensitive period lasts for as long as it is necessary for a child to complete a particular stage in their development.

During their first six years of life, children move through five main categories of sensitive periods, including: order, language, sensory skills, movement, and social skills.

#SENSITIVE PERIOS MONTESSORI WINDOWS#

In other pedagogies, sensitive periods are commonly referred to as windows of opportunity or developmental milestones.

The phrase ‘sensitive periods’ often conjures up thoughts of moody teenagers, but it actually refers to a period of time when a child’s interests are focused on developing a particular skill or knowledge area.Īccording to Montessori Theory, the most important sensitive periods occur between birth and age six. How to Recognise and Support Sensitive Periods in Your Child’s Development

Sensitive perios montessori