The Sensitive Periods - Montessori
This essay will briefly discuss the notion of ‘sensitive periods in development,’ as introduced by Hugo de Vries and researched by Maria Montessori. It will further list Montessori’s explanation of the sensitive periods and their importance in a child between the ages of 0 and 6 years. Two examples will be discussed through personal reflection to demonstrate the author’s understanding of these periods.
Many theorists such as Piaget, Vygotsky, Freud and Erikson have examined the idea that every living organism must go through developmental stages. This notion was especially examined by Hugo de Vries (1948-1935), a Dutch botanist and geneticist who spent much of his life researching animal development. His work largely related to the development of animals however he first used a phrase ‘sensitive periods in development’ (as cited in Standing, 1957, p. 118) and this became a starting point for Maria Montessori’s research. Montessori identified that there were many distinct sensitive periods of child development. These were sub-periods within her notion of the planes of development. Montessori, an educator and medical practitioner found the notion of ‘sensitive periods’ of high importance and conducted further research through observation to understand and assist the development of a child.
Before expanding on Montessori’s observational work with children, it is best to begin with the research of Hugo de Vries. DeVries observed the lifecycle of the Porthesia Butterfly. His work examined the first sensitive period in the early phase of development. He noted that the Porthesia Butterfly laid its eggs on the bark of a tree. From these eggs emerged tiny caterpillars with an innate desire to feed. The mouth parts were so small that they could only manage to eat the softest and most tender leaves. As the caterpillars had no experience in choosing food, they held an inherent instinct to crawl towards light and by doing this; they found themselves on the
Many theorists such as Piaget, Vygotsky, Freud and Erikson have examined the idea that every living organism must go through developmental stages. This notion was especially examined by Hugo de Vries (1948-1935), a Dutch botanist and geneticist who spent much of his life researching animal development. His work largely related to the development of animals however he first used a phrase ‘sensitive periods in development’ (as cited in Standing, 1957, p. 118) and this became a starting point for Maria Montessori’s research. Montessori identified that there were many distinct sensitive periods of child development. These were sub-periods within her notion of the planes of development. Montessori, an educator and medical practitioner found the notion of ‘sensitive periods’ of high importance and conducted further research through observation to understand and assist the development of a child.
Before expanding on Montessori’s observational work with children, it is best to begin with the research of Hugo de Vries. DeVries observed the lifecycle of the Porthesia Butterfly. His work examined the first sensitive period in the early phase of development. He noted that the Porthesia Butterfly laid its eggs on the bark of a tree. From these eggs emerged tiny caterpillars with an innate desire to feed. The mouth parts were so small that they could only manage to eat the softest and most tender leaves. As the caterpillars had no experience in choosing food, they held an inherent instinct to crawl towards light and by doing this; they found themselves on the
References: Standing, E.M. (1957). Maria Montessori: her life and work. Ontario: Hollis & Carter Limited. Seldin, T. & Epstein, P. (2003) The Montessori way. Florida: The Montessori Foundation. Montessori, M. (1996). The secret of childhood. London: Sangam Books limited.