Sensitive Period: Child’s Gold Time in the Montessori Method

Examples of sensitive periods

Miss Joyce gave a concrete example of a sensitive period in language, when a child began to use the word he just heard. Or for example, when a 4-year-old child suddenly asks parents how to write the letter “a.”

An example of a sensitive period is when a child is 17 months old, who is actively walking, suddenly stops to pay attention and try to take small objects on the floor.

Montessori environment

This environment, known as That Prepared environmentDesigned to provide opportunities and freedom to children in choosing and exploring the activities and tools they are interested in. Various equipment that allows children to work independently and responsibly, namely shelves, tables, chairs, to cleaning equipment that is tailored to the size of the child.

Montessori learning tools

Various Montessori tools available in this environment are tailored to the age of the child and include various learning areas, such as practical life exercises, sensory training, language, mathematics, and culture that include zoolology, botany, geography, history, and science.

Montessori tools are neatly arranged, ranging from concrete equipment to the abstract. And also simple to more complex activities, so that children can develop gradually according to their level.

Examples in language development

Every baby born does not know in which country he was born and what language he would use. However, the sensitive period in language allows them to adapt to the language of the surrounding environment easily. They catch the words that are heard, intonation, even accent, spontaneously and without difficulty.

At this time, children learn languages ​​in a fun, spontaneous, and free way. In contrast to adults who have passed sensitive periods, they learn language with a more structured plan, often because of demands, not because of spontaneity.

Examples in motor skills

As in 10 months old children who are trying to lift their body and stand for a few seconds before falling. He kept repeating it, smiling every time he got support from parents. Sensitive periods in the movement triggers children to try this ability repeatedly without being told.

In the following years, the child will continue to hone other motor skills, such as standing without help, walking, running, jumping on two legs, jumping on one leg, and so on.

Important role of parents

Parents need to understand the right stages and time for each sensitive period and make deep observations without quickly drawing conclusions.

Sensitive periods can be likened to special sensitivity in children that allows them to choose what is needed for their growth from a complex environment.

This sensitivity is similar to the light that illuminates certain things, attracts the attention of children. This period is temporary and will not be repeated. Therefore, parents and educators must provide maximum stimulation during this sensitive period so that children can develop optimally.

When the sensitive period of children is postponed without good treatment, they will lose the opportunity to learn and grow optimally.

For example, due to lack of educational tools that are appropriate to age or restrictions from parents such as forbidding children to step on the grass because they are considered dirty. This can also reduce their chances of achieving the highest potential that should be achieved.