Tag Archives: Montessori
Sensitive Periods – Language
Language in all its variety comes in 3 focal forms – speaking, writing and reading. Though it may come as a surprise to many, language development begins early from 7 months into a woman’s pregnancy through to when the child is 6 years of age. The learning period for spoken language, however, is fundamentally between 7 months in the womb to 2 ½ years of age, in which the child by then would be communicating in short sentences. Preparing the environment for your child’s sensitive period for spoken language includes reading to the child and providing room and opportunity for your child to express his/her needs rather than always having to anticipate them. There are numerous toys out there that are supportive during this sensitive period. Pick out materials with fewer words and more images such as picture cards, colorful knobbed puzzles (especially those with interesting topics such as animals, people, and numbers) as well as materials that require explaining or speaking to your child. Electronic toys that ‘speak’ to your child are also extremely beneficial. Along with these toys, remember to allow your child ample opportunities to respond while keeping in mind that this is a stage of progressive learning, one that should not alarm parents should their child withhold from any actual verbal response.
The second sensitive period of writing is usually initiated between the ages of 3 ½ to 4 ½ years of age, in which a child would concurrently be learning the letters of the alphabet, including its phonetic sounds. The writing process begins with tools that not only promote pencil grip, but are also fun and stimulating for every child. This is enhanced through toys that allow manipulation of the thumb and the first two fingers. From tiny knobbed puzzle pieces and building sets in conjunction with actual writing practice materials such as coloring and tracing books, we exploit the rule of repetition which allows the child to mentally imprint the various formations of letter and number writing even before putting pencil to paper.
The final sensitive period of Language is reading. Reading in children is an intense foundation and can be rather frustrating and worrisome for some parents. Just like in a Montessori classroom, it is essential to understand that a child learns most intensely to read between the ages of 4 ½ to 5 ½ years old. The previous two sensitive periods, if nurtured, would have allowed your child enough room to build up and prepare for this challenging stage. It is from the very foundation of writing that a child acquires the ability to read and seldom the other way round. Spend at least once a day reading with your child, rather than just reading to him/her. Allow your little one the opportunity to participate freely in this process.
Begin with simpler reading materials that encourage and boost confidence in your child before moving on to phrases or sentences. Phonetic reading sets such as Fitzroy and Leapfrog are some examples of reinforcements for early readers used in a Montessori environment. In a Montessori classroom, trained teachers take time to stir and maintain interest in children through reading games that use the phonetic sounds of the alphabet to blend and form 3-4 letter words. This takes persistence and patience as it is the easiest stage to put a child off from Language as a subject completely, so avoid unreasonably high expectations and perplexing books and games.
About TOYconomy
TOYconomy is an online toy rental and exchange program that can help you significantly decrease toy clutter and help you save money and resources by being more selective about the toys you choose. Founded and established in 2010 by a mother of three in Richmond, VA, TOYconomy’s mission is to help you keep your kids happy and healthy without having to burn big bucks.
TOYconomy is available at http://www.TOYconomy.com/.
About the Author
Sarah Jane is certified & trained in Montessori Teaching, with years of expansive knowledge and experience with young children from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Sarah Jane expresses her love and interest for child development through her writing, constantly sharing and promoting awareness to parents and educational workers from all walks of life. She is also the co-founder of a multinational marketing firm Hot Fry Media (http://hotfrymedia.com).
© Sarah Jane 2011
Sensitive Periods – Movement
As described by Dr. Maria Montessori (August 31, 1870 – May 6, 1952); children experience phases in the first few crucial years of their lives relating to particular stimulus in their surroundings known as ‘Sensitive periods’. These periods are transitory occurrences that are replaced by new ones each time. Through careful observation, we are able to distinguish and boost these sensitive periods as a child grows. First, we must learn to comprehend these periods as important and necessary to help a child acquire certain abilities and traits that are crucial for their development and wellbeing. Sensitive periods are all interwoven and each act as a footing for the next.
Movement
From as early as birth to 4 years of age, children undergo a sensitive period to movement. Movement includes both maneuvering around a given area as well as manipulating materials within it. Movement also enables children to explore a setting with more ease, keeping them excited and eager learners as they physically explore their way around and about. Preparing and encouraging your child during this period will ensure steady development in hand-eye coordination and gross and fine motor skills. One way to do this is to provide your child with materials that are suitable and age appropriate.
Age appropriate materials are necessary, a factor that all caregivers and teachers, especially those in a Montessori setting, would have to put much thought and consideration into when preparing the environment. Using a standard motor developmental chart for children between the ages of 0 to 4 years enables us to distinguish what some of these materials are.
Age Appropriate materials for toddlers:
Toddlers up to the age of 2 ½ years are full of energy and curiosity. They learn through imitation and imagination. They are also very much attracted to colors, animals, shapes, sounds and objects that allow them to grasp.
Some of these toys include,
· Toys with knobs, handles, buttons
· Simple animal, people or vehicle puzzles with large puzzle pieces
· Toys with music, different sounds and songs
· Children’s picture books that are colorful and eye-catching
· Electronic materials that allow toddlers to mimic speech and actions
· Push/pull objects that encourage children to walk and move around
Don’t forget to encourage repetition of such materials, as repetition is an essential process in order for the child to refine his/her skills. Outdoor activities would also engage a child well physically during this period.
Age Appropriate materials for preschoolers:
Preschoolers between 2 ½ to 4 years of age start picking up interest in others around them. They take pride in their already mastered skills from their toddler years, and look forward to refining and expanding these skills. They are building self-esteem through the materials they use and may be put off easily if they get stuck somewhere along the line. Their curiosity continues to grow and they are now more confident in their sense of movement.
Some toys that would help include,
· Toys that educate them with a sense of big and small, tall and short, heavy and light.
· Concepts in math and science including counting, relating number to quantity and vice versa, simple measurements and balance
· Toys that allow or require more than one child to play
· Toys that encourage dramatic/imaginary play
· Storybooks that encourage the child to participate – these are books that have simple words, short phrases and bigger fonts
· Equipment that encourages gross motor skills like hula hoops, skipping ropes and balls
Remember, giving a child something that is either too simple or too difficult for him/her to tackle independently can lead to negative consequences. This includes disheartening, intimidation and indifference.
With these helpful hints on age appropriate materials, your task as a guiding and nurturing parent has just been made a little easier during your child’s sensitive period for movement and manipulation. Just like in a classroom where teachers prepare and engage their students according to their level of development, you can begin to do the same at home while spending quality time with your child/children.
About TOYconomy
TOYconomy is an online toy rental and exchange program that can help you significantly decrease toy clutter and help you save money and resources by being more selective about the toys you choose. Founded and established in 2010 by a mother of three in Richmond, VA, TOYconomy’s mission is to help you keep your kids happy and healthy without having to burn big bucks.
TOYconomy is available at http://www.TOYconomy.com/.
About the Author
Sarah Jane is certified & trained in Montessori Teaching, with years of expansive knowledge and experience with young children from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Sarah Jane expresses her love and interest for child development through her writing, constantly sharing and promoting awareness to parents and educational workers from all walks of life. She is also the co-founder of a multinational marketing firm Hot Fry Media (http://hotfrymedia.com).
© Sarah Jane 2011