Montessori Planes of Development

According to Dr. Maria Montessori children go through four planes of development. Each plane of development has a specific set of sensitive periods, developmental needs, physical and physiological growth, and focus. The four planes (or stages) of development are;

• Infant - 0-6 years of age

• Childhood - 6-12 years of age

• Adolescent - 12-18 years of age

• Maturity - 18-24 years of age

Each one of these planes is like a rebirth for the child. Each developmental plane can be further broken down to 3 year increments where the child goes through drastic changes in the first 3 years (transition) of the plane and then stabilizes in the last 3 years. These are called subplanes.

"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 the other has been described by certain psychologists as 'rebirths'." (Dr. Maria Montessori, Four Planes of Education).

First Plane of Development (0-6)

The first plane of development begins at birth and goes to the age of six. During this time the child has what Dr. Maria Montessori called the Absorbent Mind. While the child has an Absorbent Mind they take everything in from their environment subconsciously. This allows children to pick up on things that are specific to their culture, community, language, and family. This intake of knowledge then helps create the foundation for the person the child will become.

"During this period the personality undergoes great changes. We have only to compare the newborn babe with the six year old to see this." (Dr. Maria Montessori, The Absorbent Mind).

First Sub-plane (0-3)

This is one of the most critical periods for development of a human being. During this stage children have an unconscious absorbent mind, are egocentric and focus on themselves (a survival mechanism), and start to scratch the surface of emotions. They have several sensitive periods during this time and their main focus includes language and physical development, connection to parents/caregivers, bodily awareness, and environmental exploration. The child is trying to learn what things are and how they fit into their community (family).

Second Sub-plane (3-6)

During this period of time the child still has an observant mind but it moves from being an unconscious to a conscious mind. This means that the child understands that they're learning and will seek learning out intentionally. The child can also think for themselves and is now conscious of the fact that they have thoughts. This is a time when children want to do things themselves.

The Second Plane of Development (6-12)

"The next period goes from six to twelve. It is a period of growth unaccompanied by other change. The child is calm and happy. Mentally, he is in a state of health, strength and assured stability." (Dr. Maria Montessori, The Absorbent Mind).

During this phase of development children become a bit more calm (generally speaking) and are more stable compared to the first plane. The child also changes from an Absorbent Mind to a Reasoning Mind. This is because the child has already integrated things like culture and language and has efficiently learned how to use their body and master basic human skills.

This plane has the greatest potential for intellectual growth and are begin to learn abstract thought, using their logic and creativity to explore areas of study. Children in this plane are fascinated and have an intrinsic need to learn the how, when, and where of everything. The child also begins to develop "Herd Instincts" as their peer identity develops. Around the same time the child also begins to create moral and ethical understanding.

The Third Plane of Development (12-18)

"The third period goes from twelve to eighteen, and it is a period of so much change as to remind one of the first. It can again be divided into two subphases: one from twelve to fifteen, and the other from fifteen to eighteen. There are physical changes also during this period, the body reaching its full maturity." (Dr. Maria Montessori, The Absorbent Mind).

The third plane is parallel to the first plane of development. This is because it encompasses changes both physically and psychologically. During this phase of development children typically go through puberty which brings about great change and relative instability. It is marked by rapid and intense physical and emotional changes. Due to these changes the child also becomes sensitive, self focused, and develops doubts and insecurity.

Children have learned logical thinking at this point but they also do not like to be pressured into learning. Teaching involves practical life skills such as financial budgeting, sewing, cooking and general self and environment maintenance is best.  Children also become concerned with societal problems and spend time discovering themselves and their creative and artistic abilities. This typically leads to exploration of their intended vocation and passions.

The Fourth Plane of Development (18-24)

The fourth plane is marked by 'maturity' and the transition to adulthood and is parallel to the second plane of Development. During this time the child becomes spiritually, emotionally, and morally independent. There is also a strong emphasis on sense of self and a need to find their place and understand the contributions they can make in society. Now as an adult the person wants to be self-sufficient economically.

First Sub-plane (18-21)

The first sub plane marks a time where the adult seeks out their purpose resulting in a period of questioning and and a search for a career.

Second Sub-plane (21-24)

If by this point and development the child has been given enough experiences throughout life, including exposure to various branches of learning and skills, The new adult should be able to choose a career that is both feeling and important to them. This allows the child to have a sense of independence and fulfillment. The adult now has a stronger sense of self with their own interests and typically chooses a life that allows them to continue on a path that matches their needs, wants, and interests.

Conclusion

"The child's development follows a path of successive stages of independence, and our knowledge of this must guide us in our behaviour towards him. We have to help the child to act, will and think for himself. This is the art of serving the spirit, an art which can be practised to perfection only when working among children." (Dr. Maria Montessori The Absorbent Mind).

Each plan of development has its own challenges, rewards, and impression on the evolving person. Please keep in mind that not every person follows this developmental procession exactly and some people never find a true sense of self. This is particularly true in certain societies and has become more prevalent over recent years.

Please comment and let me know what plane is your favorite and why. As always thank you for reading my blog. Please show some love to my post. Like ❤️, comment 💬, share 💌 and save.

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