The Development Planes in 150 Years in Montessori

I have found that in his development, the child passes through certain phases, each of which has its own particular needs. The characteristics of each are so different that the passages from one phase to another have been described by certain psychologists as ‘rebirths’.

— Dr. Maria Montessori

Dr. Maria Montessori recognised certain irrefutable patterns in children's development over the course of her years of observation in a range of settings. She acknowledged that there are numerous differences between people, but she asserted that certain characteristics could be depended on as children grew older. She believed that these features and features may be utilised not only to define a child's developmental stage, but also as a guide for the adults who care for him or her.

We still apply her scientific results in our work as professional Montessori educators today. Childhood development is organised into four basic phases, or planes, according to Dr. Montessori. Each level builds on the knowledge gained in the preceding ones, and each has an active and passive phase. We can better support a child's subsequent development by properly comprehending their developmental needs, regardless of where they are on this continuum.

There is a lot to say about Montessori's developmental planes, so we'll keep it short and to the point. We encourage parents to think about how their child's developmental features could impact their own decisions at home, just as we do in our learning environments.

The First Plane of Development

NEWBORN-AGE 6

Children learn mostly from their experiences with their surroundings during the first plane of development. The personal growth we experience during this time is unlike anything we will ever witness again in our lives. This is a period of significant physical growth as well as personality development. The Montessori teacher education center will teach you to be mindful of the following:

• The desire to feel protected and safe
• A desire for physical independence
• The senses are being explored and refined.
• Gross and fine motor skills development
• Desire to work on your own or with others (as opposed to with them)
• Thinking in concrete terms
• a proclivity for neatness and order

The Second Plane of Development

AGES 6-12

There is a noticeable change in the child at the age of six. There are several physical growth surges as well as an unquenchable desire to learn more about the world and universe. The child's world begins to extend beyond their own restricted confines. This means they are more social, but also more interested about things they don't already know. Keep in mind the following characteristics:

• This is a moment for huge dreams!
• The mind of a youngster shifts from concrete to abstract.
• Science, geography, and history are all popular cultural subjects.
• At this age, children frequently favour big projects.
• They desire social contacts, but they're still figuring out how to handle them properly.
• They aren't always mindful of their expanding limbs and frequently trip or knock objects down.
• Cleanliness and order are unimportant, yet they are frequently overlooked.
• Justice and fairness have become crucial.

The Third Plane of Development

AGES 12-18

The time on the third level is amazing. Adolescents are in the stage of growth where they are discovering who they are as individuals. Despite the fact that we change throughout our lives, who we are at our core and what drives us are largely rooted in the discoveries we make throughout our adolescent years. Puberty brings massive physical and emotional changes, and there is a lot of variation across peers over the first half of this period. Important things to keep in mind:

• Teenagers are considering their future plans.
• They, like first-time flyers, require caring and emotional support.
• Having knowledge of puberty will aid them as they go through it.
• They rely greatly on their classmates, but they still require adult assistance (even as they seem to reject it)
• Emotions will be quite volatile.
• Adolescents must be treated with respect.
• Physical labour is frequently prioritised over intellectual pursuits.

The Fourth Plane of Development

AGES 18-24

Yes, Montessori viewed the ages of 18-24 to be the pinnacle of a child's growth. Maybe you're still on this plane, or at least not too far away. Maybe you're bringing your kids on this plane. The transition from late adolescence to early adulthood is the link between our childhood selves and the remainder of our adult lives. The tremendous growth and learning that takes place during this time is crucial to our future selves.

People on the fourth level of development aspire to be completely self-sufficient. Moral independence, financial independence, and emotional independence are all examples of this. We tend to analyse our own particular standing in society at this age. We consider how we will contribute to the larger good and how we will proceed in the future. We develop personal hobbies, launch employment, and occasionally even start families.

At the fourth plane, Dr. Maria Montessori stopped writing on human development. One has to wonder what would have happened if she had persisted.

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Creating a Prepared Environment for Montessori

 The viewpoint we take as educators is one of the main differences between conventional methods and the Montessori process (whether we are parents, teachers, family members or the myriad of other roles in which adults act as educators to children). The demand for Montessori training online is rising as more and more millennial parents are looking for imparting wholesome education to their children; and the Montessori pedagogy reflects on a comprehensive approach during the developmental years of the kids.

Trying to guide or regulate the process of human development occurs naturally and predictably through the interaction between the infant and the environment; as a result, attempting to do so is at best futile and at worst actively harmful. the importance of studying a child's natural potentials and allowing them to guide their own experiences This does not, however, imply that teachers and parents are inactive and would just sit around to make the kids learn everything on their own.

If development takes place at the point where a child and their environment collide, and the child is perfectly suited on their side, the environment remains the other half of the equation. As educators, the main job is to develop, curate, and sustain an atmosphere in which the child can find all they need, and then to relate the child to that environment. Reputed online Montessori training institute provides a complete idea on the Montessori curriculum and how it helps aids children to grow at their own pace.

Key Aspects of the Prepared Environment

A prepared environment encourages the child to participate in it in a constructive and beneficial way while allowing the adult to observe without intervening. It must therefore be healthy for the child first and foremost, so that they can engage with it individually without an adult jumping in to “rescue” them from possible damage.

It must, of course, provide opportunities for activity and work that are suitable to the child's level: demanding but doable, in order to keep the child's attention and develop them. It must also be pleasing to the child – appealing, even stunning. Finally, it should always have both order and peace, which is what the child needs at all stages of development.

The educator, according to Dr. Montessori, serves as a link between the child and the world, facilitating initial interaction by drawing the child's attention and interest to the environment's interactions and opportunities.

Since the goal of childhood is to adapt – to become the adult of one's time and place – every child is born with an insatiable desire to learn, understand, and imitate the adult. It is the adult's responsibility to translate this enthusiasm for the world to the setting as a role model for how to deal with it.

Setting up the Environment

The method of designing a child's environment is a delicate balance of functional and aesthetic considerations, none of which should be prioritized over the other. When designing an environment, we start with the architectural and physical aspects, such as light and air quality, protection, and hygiene. Of course, this is not special to Montessori, but there isn't anything to say about it. However, we pay more attention than others to aesthetic elements like color and texture, as well as the dimensions of the space: the size and construction of the furniture, the arrangement of objects, and so on, to ensure that the child can move around and do things comfortably.

When designing an atmosphere, one of the most important things we can do is get down to the height of the child for whom the environment is designed and look at it from their viewpoint: can they see the displays without craning their head?

On many levels, order is a truly necessary component of any child's world. We must provide order in their environments to help children build order in their minds: a graded, systemic, and organised arrangement of every aspect of their world. Order provides a sense of security and familiarity to the child by providing points of reference and known sequences. Rather than being frustrated and confused, a child who is comfortable in the order of the world will explore, enjoy greater independence, and have the ability to choose from what is available.

The environment's activities, materials, and equipment should support rather than guide the child's growth. This means that any developmental resources, toys, or activities we have should not be placed on the infant, but should instead appeal to them and entice them with their beauty and functionality.

Finally, the environment's care, order, and harmony reflect the relationship between the adults and children who share the room. It's important to consider what we're expressing to the child by the way we use our power to preserve and alter the space as we exercise it.

Pros and Cons of Homeschooling

It is not a new concept to choose to homeschool your children. However, as we begin the 2020–2021 school year, months into the global COVID-19 pandemic, the term "school choice" is taking on a whole new meaning, as an increasing number of parents see homeschooling as a viable option for their children.

Many school districts across the country are proposing a number of education options to combat the spread of the virus, ranging from in-person school wearing masks to complete online school to a delayed start to the academic year. With so many learning options available—many of which aren't ideal—some parents are asking if they should take control of their children's education. In fact, the millennial parents are taking up Montessori curriculum to help their kids guide better.

If you're considering teaching your child at home for the first time or have always considered it for your family, you're probably aware that there are numerous benefits and drawbacks.

Every educational system provides excellent opportunity for pupils to acquire new knowledge and abilities while also allowing them to develop their own distinct characteristics and interests. There are advantages and disadvantages to homeschooling, just as there are to public, private, charter, unschooling, and other educational approaches.

A MAJOR LIFESTYLE CHANGE

As you are probably aware, when you choose to homeschool, you will assume the roles of both teacher and administration. You'll have to plan lessons, organise field excursions, coordinate activities with other parents, and stay on top of state and local homeschooling regulations. These tasks are added to your regular parental duties.

There are also the additional financial costs of homeschooling. While there are many free resources, textbooks, books, paper, art supplies, computers, software, and other homeschool equipment all cost money. When you are taking up the course on homeschool Montessori training, you will get a better idea on the tools and materials that are mandatory for learning.

Another significant difference is that, while most parents spend a significant amount of time with their children, homeschooling parents spend a lot more time with their children. The length of time it takes to homeschool is a significant lifestyle change that many parents consider when deciding whether or not to homeschool their children. Though there are numerous options for parents to find time for themselves, it's crucial to remember that you'll be spending more time with your kids than you are now.

Pros

• Freedom

One clear advantage of homeschooling is the capacity to make your own decisions, whether you call it consciousness, independence, or control. You'll be able to travel or move around freely as a homeschooler, include religious instruction into daily learning, and avoid social pressures or harassment that your child may face at school. Plus, every discipline, from sailing to sewing to science, is fair game in a home-based education. Homeschooling encompasses a wide range of activities, including practical skills, volunteer work, creative hobbies, and traditional trades. According to some homeschoolers, teachable opportunities occur all the time, and "school" isn't restricted to school hours.

• Individualized Education

Every child is unique. Unfortunately, teachers cannot always customise lessons to your child's specific needs in a bigger group setting such as a conventional school. In contrast, you may meet your child precisely where they are at home, tailoring classes to their own interests. If you have more than one child, homeschooling allows you to alter your approach in terms of learning styles and grade levels. Plus, because you're right there with them, you can celebrate any triumph or achievement with them in real time.

• Minimal COVID-19 Restrictions

For many parents, the decision to homeschool their children for the 2020–2021 school year is motivated by the desire to circumvent COVID-19 constraints imposed at school. Wearing a mask all day and maintaining social distance from pals is a difficult task for a 6-year-old. Educating at home, obviously, means not having to deal with the pandemic's masks, physical barriers, and other difficult "extras."

• Strong Parental Relationships

The longer you keep with your children, the more chances you have to bond with them. If you and your family have always desired for more hours in the day, homeschooling could be the answer. Positive experiences such as exciting field trips, learning a-ha moments, and “recess” at the park can all help to strengthen parent-child and sibling relationships. If work schedules normally limit time together on weekends or holidays, homeschooling's flexible hours may allow for more leisure with both parents.

Cons

• A Lot of Work

You're suddenly a teacher, tutor, curriculum researcher, and principal, in addition to your home responsibilities as a mom or dad. If you have younger children at home who aren't yet in school, you may find it difficult to keep them occupied while you teach bigger children.

Plus, as enjoyable as tailoring schooling to each child's learning style might be, it can add to your workload.

• Less Time for Yourself

Homeschooling's workload—and having your children at home all day—is bound to leave you with less leisure for yourself. Some homeschooling parents claim that they don't have time to exercise, let alone shower and take care of themselves.

• Not Taking Advantage of Certain Opportunities

Despite its vast flexibility, homeschooling can limit your child's chances in several ways. A homeschool program, for example, may not be able to give the same variety of electives as a major public school for high school students. The same is true when it comes to social possibilities. It is your responsibility as a homeschooler to provide social connection that your child will not receive via school dances, assemblies, or regular classroom pair work.

What are the sensitive periods, according to Montessori theory?

There are several words used in Montessori education. Sensitive period is one of those Montessori words that can be perplexing to parents. Maria Montessori used a term coined by a Dutch biologist, Hugo de Vries (Mutation theory - 1902) to refer to key developmental stages in children. If parents are looking for Montessori training near me, they are basically looking for rightly trained teachers who can provide wholesome education to their kids. The sensitive periods are vital for growing and let’s have a better look here –

In the Secret of Childhood, Maria Montessori said-

“A sensitive period refers to a special sensitivity which a creature acquires in its infantile state, while it is still in a process of evolution. It is a transient disposition and limited to the acquisition of a particular trait. Once this trait, or characteristic, has been acquired, this special sensitivity disappears.”

The child is intensely interested in a particular topic during sensitive period. As a result, acquiring those skills related to this interest is extremely simple for the boy. The child is enthralled by the prospect of repeating those acts. This repetition will result in the development of a new ability.

Sensitive periods don't happen in a straight line and might collide. When the sensitive time ends, the overwhelming desire to learn is gone, as is the ability to learn extensively and easily. It does not imply that all is lost! It is better for a child to learn a second language during his early years, for example. If the child did not have the opportunity, learning a new language would necessitate conscious effort.

Sensitive periods, also known as window of opportunity, are a term used in neuropsychology to describe a time during which language acquisition, motion development, and cognitive perception occur. Our modern understanding of the brain suggests that there is a particular period for language acquisition, and cognitive perception. Both definitions of the term responsive period are based on the premise that children learn in a particular way in their early years and that learning should take place within a specific time frame.

Why is it crucial to understand the Sensitive Periods?

Maria Montessori urged adults to track children's behavior and actions to determine when they are in sensitive periods. Adults should protect the child's interests by observing them and providing experiences that are appropriate for their current sensitive times. Maria Montessori's sensitive periods can be used as a framework for observing the child in order to provide them with as many resources as possible. It's important to note that each child is unique, and while Maria Montessori said that some sensitive times are universal, we, as parents, might not be able to recognize them all.

Six main sensitive periods

Sensitive period to language

Maria Montessori used to say that Montessori said that “the only language men will ever speak perfectly is the one they learn in babyhood, when no one can teach them anything. This sensitive period lasts from birth (even in utero) to the age of six. The presence of a language-sensitive time has been confirmed by modern science. The window of opportunity for language learning starts to close about the age of five, according to neuroscience.

Sensitive period to movement

It lasts from birth to 5 years old. First phase – from birth to 2.5 years of age and Second phase – from 2.5 to 4.5 years of age. This coordination is acquired through repetition of purposeful motor activity by the infant. Visits to the park and other outdoor areas on a regular basis are likely to help during this sensitive period.

Sensitive period to order

From the age of one to three years old, the infant goes through a sensitive time. About the age of 18 months, it reaches its height. The child is arranging his mental schema of the world during this period. When the child's world is in order, he may organize his thoughts and orient himself.

Sensitive period to refinement of the senses

This sensitive period lasts from birth (even in utero) to the age of four years.

The brain's sensory development can last up to four years. Sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch are the five senses by which a child learns.

Sensitive period to small details and small objects

This stage lasts from one to three years. Paying close attention to details can seem to be a waste of time for our adult minds. When the child is exploring her environment during this critical time, she will become fascinated with small objects. This is when she will begin to establish her pincer grip, which involves gripping between the thumb and index fingers.

Sensitive period to social behavior or to manner and courtesy

This sensitive period lasts between the ages of two and a half and six. During this time, the child realizes that he is a member of a community.

It's time to make some new friends! Until then, the kids are playing together. They don't have a lot of interaction. The child is now increasingly learning to play cooperatively. Children must learn how to act in our society. We are our children as adults.

How the Montessori Educators are Teaching the Kids Even during Lockdown

As much as it seems like we are getting to a world where no pandemic exists, the truth is the virus is still there at large and we all need to keep up with the safety protocols. This also means, the schools and colleges are closed and we have to get accustomed to the online mode of teaching and learning.

The Montessori teachers are no different and are looking for ways to transform their concrete learning environment into the virtual one. Even though this can be possible with children who has attained a certain age but is definitely a challenging prospect when you think of the age of the Montessori kids.

Most importantly, this is entirely in contrast to the principle of Montessori learning environment. However, as the times are changing, there has to be some thought and preparation that can help the students to focus on their curriculum with the help of the professional Montessori educators that can help the students not lose time just being at home. If you are certified teacher from Montessori distance education programs, you know how it is true that being at home and studying has both its pros and cons.

The cultural curriculum of Montessori

This has been the year where more than ever children need to connect with the cultural curriculum. It is often seen that parents put the most of the focus and attention on language or mathematics or science so cultural curriculum is forever an afterthought. However, if you look online there are a number of cultural subjects which can be educated to the children for greater good. Let's have a look –

•    Understanding the literature

Most of the libraries are closed, however you can find several websites that are available and offer free download of books and audiobooks. To keep everyone engaged, as a Montessori teacher, you can use the online literature circle to make it a fun thing for the kids. Even for the upper elementary children this can become a favorite time of the day. You can use sentences, grammatical examples and parts of speech from these books to teach them language.

•     Exploring the Writing

The Montessori training program tell the participants to become a good mentor which means unlike the traditional teachers, they work as a guide for the students. This can be the time when as a mentor you help them develop new writing skills. You can give them challenge to keep up a daily journal. Also, this can be the time when it will ask them to write poetries or get involved in different other types of creative writing. They can write letters to their friends and family whom they cannot meet due to the lockdown.

•     Math

In all areas of Montessori, this has been a concrete learning subject and takes precedence over any paper pencil work. This is because, before rushing into any abstraction, the mentors help them to focus on the concepts that can help them in concrete learning. Exploring measurement, time, word problems and other logics is a fun activity.

•     Art and music

Some kids can be more inclined towards music and arts. Again, this can be the best of the time to encourage them in utilizing the time at home in exploring the various types of music and art. You can tell them about the history of the various periods of the evolution of art and music. Eventually, they can also learn to identify the composer or singer.

•     Advanced practical life

As the schools are closed, it is upon the parents to help the children focus on the importance of knowing household works. There are plenty of practical life activities for children that can be practiced during depending on the age such as setting up the dinner table to sewing on buttons. There are many ways to make these kids learn the importance of lending a helping hand to their parents.

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6 Ways to Encourage Curiosity in Kids

 “The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existence.’’ - Albert Einstein

One of the most wonderful gifts is stimulating the curiosity of your child because it helps them to learn and grow curiosity. It helps to develop healthy imagination as well as a sense of creativity, which are important stepping-stones towards successful future.

There are many ways how you can encourage curiosity in your children during the early years and some of the established methods are as follows -

Answer their questions

If you have done Montessori distance education programs, you will know how the pedagogy says that one of the most important points is to answer all the queries that a child might have. Replies such as 'because I said' or 'because that is how it work' is not a very good answer because it will only rise confusion. Also, this will discourage him/her from learning anything in future. Try to give your child an engaging answer on the topic in a way that is understandable. You can also encourage them to look for ideas at possible places such as in books, magazines, or internet so that can make them self dependent in finding out reasons all by themselves.

Be curious yourself

When your children are trying to learn something, be curious with them. Also if you are their role model, they will be observing everything you do. So, you can pick their curiosity by acting curious on your own. Make it a point to ask for questions which can serve as their learning point. Basic questions about how there is a rainbow after rain or why a certain sauce is more tangy than the others can be basic things to make your child engaged in the daily ideas and tasks.

Take a break from the routine

While it is always advised to have a set of routine or activities, you can make small changes in their daily tasks that can stimulate their thinking and also encourage curiosity. But in some instances, when you change the daily breakfast menu with new dishes and favours they might ask how it is made; or you can share why you made a certain special dish on certain special day.

Encourage to pursue their interests

Curiosity is one of the most important factors that can let a child grow in their own pace and space. If your child is showing interest in topics and activities which are not exactly academics, allow them to pursue the same. Give them the freedom to explore what they are interested in while keeping a proper supervision. Their interest and curiosity will pave the way for their learning and also open up new experiences. It is never good to with scolding such as 'keep the guitar away and complete your homework'. It can have negative impact on the child.

Share open-ended stories

There are many ways to make your child bedtime stories interesting. One of the best ways to improve their creativity is to leave them with open ended stories. In Montessori Training, it is said that once a child is left with more curious options, they can create their own imagination.

Leave them with surprises

This is also a way of showing that you care for them. So, when you are packing their lunch box or when you are having a vacation planned, add some positive surprises which can do wonder to boost a child's mood as well as curiosity.

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Six Ways to Make Your Kid Get More Involved in Summer Vacation

One of the greatest ways to break out from the regular life is to go for a vacation. This will be about experiencing a new place or embracing new adventures with lifetime of memories. However, for kids, it can be difficult to break from their routine and adjust to a new one, even if it is for a few days or a week. To help them learn the balance, you can take them to regular vacations that can start with small trips.

In the new environment, your kid has to find a sense of normalcy and the trained mentors of Montessori curriculum knows how to make it so for the kids. You can start by this summer vacation and here are some Montessori-inspired strategies that you can follow for better outcome -

Include the kids into the planning

Regardless of the extent the kid is capable to helping, you can involve him/her into the planning. May be you can ask your one year o bring the diapers from the basket and place it in the bags, or ask your 4 year one to select a book that he wants to read while on the journey. This helps to create a sense of responsibility for the child and also make him truly feel he is important for the family and also in the trip. Make him know that his choices are also into the itinerary and that his ideas are special in every way.

Share the details

Do not go by the age and make sure to share the big picture of the vacation. It can go to the extent how you are planning to pre book a cab to go to the airport and till the end of the journey where he has to come back and join classes. It might initially be boring for the kid but to give them a fair idea about the trip will leave them with clear understanding of what is going to happen. In fact, this can also help to reduce the anxiety if they have any.

More independent thoughts

In the homeschool Montessori training, there is very much stress on the idea of enouraging students to think and behave independently. This can include tasks such as letting them dress themselves and getting ready on time or putting their toys back to where they belong before leaving the house. Traveling often leads to situations where parents get doing everything for the kids. Contrary to what you think, there will be better experience for the kids when they are left to do what they want to do and also feel freer to enjoy the trip on their own.

Make space for free time

Neither you nor the rest of the family members will enjoy if your child is overstimulated or overtired. So, plan for the activities accordingly.

Get outside every day

If you have not been able to make any plan for the vacation for this summer, you can still make ways where you can go out to the nature and let your kid enjoy sometime in the lap of the nature. It helps to add rich sensory experiences which can help to enhance the academic results as well.

Follow the child and not your schedule

Try to create a loose itinerary that can fit in the interests of the kid rather than the emder people. Take a few minutes to observe your child and understand what will make them interested in the entire plan.