The 11 Montessori Sensitive Periods

All parents want their children to grow up to meet their full potential. The sensitive periods in Montessori provide a helpful guide to use when introducing skills to your children during their first 6 years.

Maria Montessori, an Italian educator and physician, created her own educational method to meet the needs of all types of children. Through years of research and first-hand experience, she discovered that children are most interested and motivated to develop certain skills at different times.

We refer to these as the Montessori sensitive periods.

Through her observations, Montessori proposed that children respond best to the introduction and practice of certain skills at different times in their development. She later narrowed these skill-sets into 11 different categories, know as the sensitive periods.

The 11 Montessori sensitive periods are: movement, language, order, small objects, sensations, emotional control, music, math, writing, reading and toilet learning.

What is a Sensitive Period of Development?

The sensitive periods in Montessori refer to specific developmental windows during which a child can learn specific skills and concepts more easily than at other times in their lives. Children typically show strong interests in these skills during a sensitive period, and will find themselves drawn to activities which allow them to practice these particular skills.

11 Montessori Sensitive Periods:

• Movement
• Language
• Order
• Small Objects
• Sensations
• Emotional Control
• Music
• Math Patterns
• Reading
• Writing
• Toilet Learning

The Montessori method of education and practical life follows a child-led approach, where parents are encouraged to observe their child and provide activities and lessons based on their interest.

When following the child, it is likely that the parent will discover that their children are drawn to activities which focus on the particular sensitive periods occurring at their age.

These Montessori sensitive periods cannot be revisited if they are missed. However, it is still entirely possible for children to learn each skill outside of a sensitive period, although it will often be more difficult.

“It is this sensibility (sensitive period) that allows a child to come into contact with the external world in a particularly intense manner. Every effort marks an increase in power.” – Maria Montessori

The Montessori Sensitive Periods

Maria Montessori discovered that children are most interested in and motivated to practice particular skills during the follow 11 sensitive periods.

Movement

Age: Birth – 2.5 years {Walking: 12 – 15 months}

This sensitive period encompasses all movements, beginning from touching at infancy to walking and climbing. Between birth and 2.5 years old, children are especially interested in learning to coordinate and control their movements.

Gross and fine motor skill develop during this sensitive period, from touching and grasping to turning, crawling, balancing, walking and climbing. Maria Montessori discovered that children are particularly interested in walking between 12 – 15 months.

Language

Age: Birth – 6 years {Speaking: 7 months to 3 years}

This sensitive period encompasses vocabulary and communication of any kind. Montessori notes that between birth and 6 years old, children progress from sounds and babbling to words, phrases and then sentences.

During this sensitive period, children also continue to develop their understanding and comprehension of the vocabulary and communication around them.

Order

Age: 1 – 4 years

The sensitive period for order encompasses a desire for structure, consistency, routine and repetition. Children are particularly sensitive to routines between the ages of 1 and 4 years old. Montessori observed that children were particularly interested in maintaining a consistent day to day structure, and did best with repetition during this time.

Small Objects

Age: 1 – 4 years

The sensitive period for small objects includes a unique interest in small details and tiny objects. Children are most interested in these small objects between the ages of 1 and 4 years old.

Sensations/Refinement of Senses

Age: 1 – 6 years

The sensitive period for the refinement of senses, also known as sensations, is a period in which children are particularly interested in exploring all five senses: taste, sound, smell, sight and touch. Between the ages of 1 and 6 years, children continue to refine their ability to discriminate sensorial qualities.

Emotional Control/Grace and Courtesy

Age: 2 – 6 years

The sensitive period for emotional control is sometimes referred to as a period of grace and courtesy. Between the ages of 2 and 6 years, children are most interested in imitating considerate, polite behavior. The continued practice of these skills during this time helps children internalize the actions.

In addition, children are particularly interested in learning various forms of communication and relationship skills during these years.

Music

Age: 2 – 6 years

The sensitive period for music begins around two years of age and continues until children reach 6 years of age. During this time, their interest in and ability to develop musical skill is at its peak. Children begin to understand and learn a sense of pitch, melody and rhythm.

Interest in music usually continues after 6 years of age, but their ability to internalize musical skills quickly usually takes place between 2 and 6 years old.

Math Patterns

Age: 2 – 6 years

The sensitive period for math patterns, also known as a sensitive period for mathematics, takes place between the ages of 2 and 6 years. During this time, children are able to form an understanding of many different mathematical concepts.

Their understanding usually progresses from addition and subtraction to multiplication and division. The understanding of these concepts is enhanced using concrete materials.

Writing

Age: 3 – 4 years

The sensitive period for writing takes place between the ages of 3 and 4 years old. During this time, children typically exhibit a fascination with letters and numbers. They often try to reproduce these letters and numbers with a pencil and paper.

Montessori discovered that although children begin and end the sensitive periods at slightly different times, the development of writing skills almost always comes before reading.

Reading

Age: 3 – 5 years

The sensitive period for reading occurs between the ages of 3 and 5 years old. During this time, children are especially interested in verbal letter representation and sounds. Their understanding of sounds leads them to form words and sentences.

Spatial Relationships/Toilet Learning

Age: 4 – 6 years {Toilet learning: 1 – 3 years}

The final Montessori sensitive period is referred to in a few different ways. The most common representation of this sensitive period is spatial relationships, but some current Montessori philosophies also refer to it as a period of toilet learning.

The sensitive period for spatial relationships takes place between the ages of 4 and 6 years old. During this time, children develop an understanding about the space around them. They start to recognize familiar places, are able to work through more complex puzzles, and begin to learn their way around areas such as the neighborhood or store.

The period of toilet learning usually takes place between ages 1 and 3. Children show the most interest in understanding the process, and are able to pick up on these skills most easily during this age.

Helping Children Succeed in Sensitive Periods

Having the knowledge of when a sensitive period occurs is a great starting point if you are looking for Montessori guidance when raising your children. However, the simple understanding is only the first step.

To set your child up for success, you’ll first need to observe them regularly. Using your knowledge of the Montessori sensitive periods, pay special attention to their use and interest of each skill during its corresponding age range.

Try introducing each skill or concept as your child enters the sensitive period. If interest is shown, continue to incorporate this concept on a regular basis to best assist their growth. If your child seems uninterested, put it away for a few weeks and try again. Continue to provide them with the opportunity to explore this skill until they begin to show an interest.

Most often, when children are not allowed to practice the particular skills in their sensitive periods, they throw tantrums in an attempt to communicate that a need is not being met. The best way to avoid this is to always offer activities that support the specific interest and skills of their sensitive period.

The Montessori sensitive periods provide a helpful guidance for parents to follow in order to aid their child’s development. Observe your child, prepare the environment, and give them plenty of opportunities to practice. Your child will certainly appreciate all of the special attention and effort you are giving to this process.