Sensitive Periods

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The concept of sensitive periods is a foundational principle of Maria Montessori’s early learning philosophy. According to Montessori, the term sensitive periods describe windows of time in which an inner compulsion drives children toward specific activities or interests. During these times, children can learn specific skills and concepts more easily than at other times.

Montessori’s 11 Sensitive Periods

Movement (Birth to 2.5 years) coordinating and controlling the body
Language (Birth to 6 years) developing vocabulary and communication skills
Order (1 to 4 years) interest in routine, repetition, and consistency
Small Objects (1 to 4 years) fascination with small objects and details
Sensations (1 to 6 years) interest in exploring (and exploring with) the senses
Emotional Control (2 to 6 years) interest in relationships and the behaviors that govern them
Music (2 to 6 years) an interest in developing musical skills
Math Patterns (2 to 6 years) building an understanding of mathematical concepts
Reading (3 to 5 years) interest in the printed representation of sounds and words
Writing (3 to 5 years) interest in mark-making, especially letters and numbers
Spatial Relationships (4 to 6 years) interest and understanding of the surrounding space

(The above list was adapted from This Post.)

Montessori believed children learned related skills and concepts more efficiently during sensitive periods, but that they could also learn the same things outside those windows of time.

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