Montessori Key Principles:
Sensitive periods
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What are Sensitive Periods?
Sensitive periods are specific windows of time when a child has an intense, almost effortless focus on a particular skill or area of development, such as language, order, or movement.
During these periods, a child is highly receptive to learning certain skills, making mastery feel natural and joyful.
Why are they important?
Recognizing and supporting a child's sensitive periods allows you to provide the right tools and opportunities at the right time, when learning is most effective.
This prevents frustration and makes the learning process feel incredibly rewarding for the child, leading to deep concentration and a sense of accomplishment.
How to apply it at home
Observe closely
Pay attention to what your child is naturally drawn to. Are they suddenly fascinated with tiny objects? Are they repeating certain words? Are they constantly wanting to put things in a specific order?
Support their focus
If your child is in a sensitive period for order, provide opportunities for sorting and organizing. If it's a language period, read books, talk to them, and sing songs.
Don't force it
Avoid trying to force a skill if your child is not interested. Trust that their inner guide will lead them to what they need at the right time.
Provide the right materials
If you notice a sensitive period for practical life skills, for example, provide a low shelf with a pouring pitcher or a small scrubbing brush.