Refining Senses through Experiences and Exploration
In Montessori, a "sensitive period" refers to a time of intense interest and development in children from birth to age 6, also known as the "time for optimal learning." During this period, children are naturally driven to discover and learn new things, expressing a desire to repeat, practice, and strengthen their skills. These periods can lead children to achieve incredible feats, and adults may be amazed at their capabilities. However, during sensitive periods, children may also become frustrated when adults try to help or intervene. Understanding and respecting these periods is important for parents to support their child's learning effectively.
In the 1940s, a significant case study highlighted that delays in physical and cognitive development in children were linked to an unstimulating environment in orphanages and institutions post-World War II. The study, along with Dr Montessori's observations, emphasized the crucial role of a rich, stimulating environment for a child's physical and intellectual development.
One specific sensitive period is the "Sensitive Period for Sensorial Exploration/Experience," divided into two parts: it starts at birth, sensorial experience, with infants exploring the world through sight, taste, touch, hearing, and smell. Around age three, the Sensitive Period for sensory refinement intensifies, contributing significantly to brain development.
During this period, children primarily learn through their senses that's why Dr Montessori call them "sensorial explorers”. To support a child during this time, adults should provide them with time, space, and freedom to explore. For instance, during walks, allow them to stop and inspect details along the way (even if it looks like just a boring rock). In their home environment, especially in the play area, ensure it is prepared for safe and independent sensory exploration with smells – essential oils, natural materials, herbs and spices -, tastes – healthy snacks, fresh herbs -, textures to try with their whole body (considering factors like avoiding choking hazards always!) - fabrics, different types of materials -, soft interesting sounds (a bell, a rattle or a music box) and well tasted pictures/paintings/images - family photos, art, children being children
Young children are keen observers of their environment and the sensitive period for sensory perception allows the child to classify all the sensorial impressions they are observing and taking in. The classifications that are created during this time support the development of both the intelligence and the memory. Sensorial impressions are the concrete images of abstract concepts that will be learned later in life. In the classroom, we give sensorial impressions of land and water through the sandpaper globe. Later in their education, they build upon this sensorial impression by learning more about geography. Sensorial education supports the child’s individual development and connects the child to the world around them.
This concept challenges the natural inclination to focus on the destination, inviting us to enjoy the journey and stop to appreciate the sensory experiences, like stopping to smell the roses. The Sensory refinement enhances problem-solving skills and shapes how children identify, distinguish, categorize, and order information, providing long-term cognitive benefits. Incorporating sensory activities into education is crucial, emphasizing the integration of arts, music, and hands-on activities into every educational element. Math, language, and science are best understood when felt, heard, seen, and experienced.
Tips for Sensory Development at Home:
Unscheduled Exploration: Allow unscheduled time for exploration—watch clouds, feel the breeze, listen to the birds, and feel the sun on your skin.
Baking Sessions: Carve out enough time for baking sessions, encouraging messy exploration, taste testing, and smelling each ingredient.
Sorting Activities: Engage in sorting activities with coins, craft supplies, or dried beans/rice from the cupboard.
Treasure Hunt: Conduct treasure hunts during walks, collecting items to explore further by ordering them by size, categorizing by texture, sorting based on colors, etc.
Sandbox and Water Play: Encourage sandbox play and water play with pouring and soaking tools for experimenting.
Colors Exploration: Utilize paint chips from the hardware store for matching and grading colors from light to dark.
In conclusion, sensitive periods are optimal times for learning specific skills, and understanding how to support a child during these periods is crucial. Although these periods can be frustrating for the caregivers, recognizing that they are temporary, and part of normal development can bring patience and empathy. Dr. Montessori compared the sensitivity of caterpillars to light to children's sensitivity during certain developmental stages, emphasizing that these periods are a natural part of a child's growth and we, the adults, should support them.
“The senses, being explorers of the world, open the way to knowledge…”
— Maria Montessori (The Absorbent Mind)