Dr. Montessori recognised that childhood development is divided into four main phases which she called ‘planes of development.’
Each plane builds upon what was learned in those previously, and each plane has both an active and passive phase. By fully understanding the developmental needs of a child — wherever they happen to be on this continuum — we are better able to create an environment that will be optimal to support their further development.
For FMS families, and for families considering FMS or Montessori education for their children we have summarised the first two planes of development, highlighting the key characteristics and needs of the child in each stage.
“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 another have been described by certain psychologists as ‘rebirths’.” –Dr. Maria Montessori
Throughout her years of observing children across a wide variety of settings, Dr. Maria Montessori noticed certain undeniable patterns in their development. She fully recognised that there are many variances among individuals but stated that there were certain traits that could generally be relied upon as children grow and age. She believed that these traits and characteristics could be used as a marker to determine a child’s developmental phase, as well as a guide for the adults who support, care and educate the child.
As Montessori educators, we still use her scientific findings in our work today.
The First Plane of Development
Newborn-Age 6
During the first plane of development, children learn primarily through experiences they have with their environment. The personal growth during this period is unlike anything we see for the rest of our lives. This is a time of tremendous physical growth, but also the development of the personality. Some of the most important traits to be aware of:
- The need to feel safe and secure
- A desire for physical autonomy
- Exploration and refinement of the senses
- Development of gross and fine motor skills
- Desire to work independently or beside peers (as opposed to with them)
- Concrete thinking
- A tendency toward neatness and order
From birth to about age 6, the child’s motto is essentially: “Help me to do it myself.”
The Second Plane of Development
Ages 6-12
Around age 6, there is a definitive shift in the child. There are a series of physical growth spurts, as well as an insatiable need for knowledge about the world and universe. The child’s world begins to expand beyond the narrow perimeters of themselves. This means they are more social, but also curious about everything beyond what they already know. Keep the following characteristics in mind:
- This is a time of big imaginations!
- The child’s thinking moves from concrete to abstract
- The cultural subjects (science, geography, & history) are of great interest
- Kids often prefer BIG work at this age
- They crave social interactions but are still learning how to navigate them appropriately
- They aren’t always aware of their growing limbs and often fall/knock things over
- Neatness and order are not important, and often forgotten
- Justice and fairness become critically important
Children at this age just want to devour all the information they possibly can. It is our job to help them learn to “think for themselves”.
We note the importance of fluidity within the stages; the traits and characteristics are not specific to a particular age, they are emergent aspects of the whole child as they come into being over a period of years.
In other words, we recognise that not all children develop at the same rate or on the same timeline.
This removes the tendency for comparison, that ‘thief of joy,’ and allows children to develop at their own pace.
Likewise, we note there is no ‘right time’ for a child to transition from the first plane to the second. The age of 5, commonly considered the age for a child to progress from preschool to kindergarten, does not consider the individual child’s stage of development or needs.
This is why the kindergarten year at Montessori is so crucial. It’s a bridge between the first and second plane of development.
Kindergarten at FMS allows time for children to fulfill the developmental aspects of the first plane. Under the careful watch and guidance of their educators, they are assessed for primary school readiness, not simply based on their age, but on emergent expression of characteristics of the 2nd plane.
As you read about Dr. Montessori’s first two planes of development, we encourage you to consider where your child currently sits in this continuum, and how their developmental traits might inform your decisions at home. Is there anything you’re already doing that supports their current stage or future growth? Is there anything new you might try?
Want to learn more? Take a look at any one of these helpful resources.
Association Montessori International – The Child’s Development
The Four Planes of Development by Camillo Grazzini
Association Montessori Internationale – Planes of Development Quotes
