Dr. Maria Montessori observed 6-year cycles and 3-year sub-cycles in the development of children until they reached 18 years of age and beyond. She called the six-year cycles"planes of development" and felt that each must take into account the child's needs and attributes.
- The first plane (ages 0–6) involves basic personality formation and learning through physical senses. During this plane, children experience sensitive periods for acquiring language and developing basic mental order.
- The second plane of development (6–12) involves learning through abstract reasoning, developing through a sensitivity for imagination and social interaction with others.
- The third plane (12–18) is the period of adolescent growth, involving the significant biological changes of puberty, moving towards learning a valuation of the human personality, especially as related to experiences in the surrounding community.
- The fourth plane (18+), involves a completion of all remaining development in the process of maturing in adult society
Dr. Montessori concluded that the child is born with all the necessary features to become an individual, and passes through the planes of development listed above in 3 year cycles. The three-year cycles are at the core of the Montessori approach. Dr. Montessori observed that the child's needs and attributes operate in three year cycles, and maximum educational progress is achieved when the educational system acknowledges this fact.
Mansio Mens Montessori faculty and facility are an excellent environment for a child's first plane of development:
- 15 months to 3 years: During this cycle, the child's mind is like a sponge and Dr. Montessori referred to it as the absorbent mind. The child soaks in everything without being conscious of the fact.
- Three to 6 years: At this stage the child's mind is still absorbing everything, but he/she is aware of doing so.
The American Montessori Society is committed to promoting quality Montessori education for all children from birth to 18 years based on these key concepts:
- The aim of Montessori education is to foster competent, responsible, adaptive citizens who are lifelong learners and problem solvers.
- Learning occurs in an inquiring, cooperative, nurturing atmosphere. Students increase their own knowledge through self- and teacher-initiated experiences.
- Learning takes place through the senses. Students learn by manipulating materials and interacting with others. These meaningful experiences are precursors to the abstract understanding of ideas.
- The individual is considered as a whole. The physical, emotional, social, aesthetic, spiritual, and cognitive needs and interests are inseparable and equally important.
- Respect and caring attitudes for oneself, others, the environment, and all life are necessary.
Please call Janet at (630) 232-6750 today to schedule a "no pressure" visit. If you are not familiar with Montessori education, we encourage to you to observe the process first-hand. The results are amazing!
Mansio Mens Montessori
