What is the critical period? Also known as the sensitive period, the critical period is a time during early postnatal life when the development and maturation of functional properties of the brain, its ‘plasticity’, is strongly dependent on experience or environmental influences.

In general, major defects of the body and internal organs are more likely to occur between 3 to 12 embryo / fetal weeks. This is the same as 5 to 14 gestational weeks (weeks since the first day of your last period). This is also referred to as the first trimester.

Children’s brains develop in spurts called critical periods. The first occurs around age 2, with a second one occurring during adolescence. At the start of these periods, the number of connections (synapses) between brain cells (neurons) doubles. Two-year-olds have twice as many synapses as adults.

Recent brain research indicates that birth to age three are the most important years in a child’s development. Here are some tips to consider during your child’s early years: Be warm, loving, and responsive. Talk, read, and sing to your child.

1a : inclined to criticize severely and unfavorably His critical temperament cost him several friends. b : consisting of or involving criticism critical writings also : of or relating to the judgment of critics The play was a critical success.

During what historians often call the “critical period” after the American Revolution, many were concerned that the Articles of Confederation were inadequate for the states to grow commercially and economically. Later, Henry would become a leading opponent of the Constitution. …

DEFINING ADOLESCENCE AS A SENSITIVE PERIOD FOR SOCIAL PROCESSING. The period of adolescence begins with the physical, cognitive, and social changes occurring with the onset of puberty. The adults that emerge from adolescence must be equipped to navigate the social complexities of their community.

Montessori identified eleven different sensitive periods occurring from birth through the age of six: order, movement, small objects, grace and courtesy, refinement of the senses, writing, reading, language, spatial relationships, music, and mathematics.

During their first six years of life, children move through five main categories of sensitive periods, including: order, language, sensory skills, movement, and social skills. Each sensitive period lasts for as long as it is necessary for a child to complete a particular stage in their development.

To support the sensitive period for order, it is important to establish ground rules, a solid routine, and create an organised environment where everything has a place.

Sensitive periods in brain development are of great interest in the psychology of early experience. It is well established that the human brain is capable of adapting to different inputs and experiences. Still, there are constraints on plasticity, often described in terms of sensitive or critical periods.

Montessori sensitive periods refer to a period of time when a child’s interests are focused on developing a particular skill or knowledge area. During what Maria Montessori describes as the child’s absorbent mind, birth to age 6, is when most sensitive periods occur.

Principles of Montessori Education

• Respect for the child. The unique developmental needs and interests of each child are respected.
• Sensitive Periods.
• The Absorbent Mind.
• Teaching Roles.
• Montessori Materials.
• Prepared Environment.
• Three Hour Work Cycle.
• Five Curriculum Areas.

Four Planes of Development in a Montessori School

• The First Plane: Birth to Age 6 (Early Childhood)
• The Second Plane: Ages 6–12 (Childhood)
• The Third Plane: Ages 12–18 (Adolescence)
• The Fourth Plane: Ages 18–24 (Maturity)

In Montessori, horme is the drive that compels the child to exert themselves, come into contact with the environment, and learn. The memory of a child works differently: their mind is prepared for information in a different way than that of the adult.

According to the American Montessori Society, the absorbent mind is from birth through approximately age of six, the young child experiences a period of intense mental activity that allows the child to” absorb” learning from his or her environment without conscious effort, naturally and spontaneously.

The absorbent mind works like a sponge. It absorbs as much as it can of anything with which it comes in contact. It has no destinations in what it absorbs. The absorbent mind takes in complete images that are fixed forever in the unconscious.

MLA (7th ed.) The Absorbent Mind. New York: Dell Pub. Co., 1969. Print.

Maria Montessori separated the absorbent mind stage into two sub-stages: the unconscious and conscious stage. Maria Montessori separated the absorbent mind stage into two sub-stages: the unconscious and conscious stage. From birth to age three, the child absorbs information unconsciously or unknowingly.

When is a child completely absorbed in learning things, according to Maria? Ans: A child is completely absorbed in learning things when it is really interested in the exercise it had chosen.