Mighty Oaks Montessori School

Stages of Development Series: Childhood

March 10, 2025

Understanding human development at each stage is crucial to fostering optimal growth. This belief forms the foundation of Montessori education, which is deeply rooted in the developmental needs of children. 


This post is the second in a series that explores the four stages of human development: birth through age six, ages six to twelve, ages twelve to eighteen, and ages eighteen to twenty-four. Each of these stages, or planes of development, comes with unique needs and capacities, and understanding them allows us to better support children in their educational journey.


Childhood (Age Six to Twelve)


Unlike the dramatic changes seen in infancy and adolescence, the second plane of development (ages six to twelve) is often viewed as a period of relative stability. This phase serves as a critical time for children to build upon their early experiences while preparing for the transitions that will come in adolescence. Despite its importance, this period is sometimes overlooked in society, but it is essential for the development of social, intellectual, and emotional skills that will serve as a foundation for later life.


Key Characteristics of Elementary Children


At the core of this stage are several observable characteristics.


Physical Sturdiness and Stability

Children in this stage experience a steady period of physical growth. They lose their primary teeth and gain adult teeth. Their skin loses its baby softness. Their hair even gets coarser and darker. Their body becomes leaner and stronger, with the soft, rounded contours of early childhood giving way to a more defined physical form. Despite these changes, growth slows down compared to the rapid pace of the first plane. This time also brings greater stability in health and coordination.


Reasoning and Abstraction

While children in the first plane absorb information effortlessly and even unconsciously, the second plane is marked by a growing capacity for reason and abstraction. No longer content with simply absorbing facts, children seek to understand the underlying causes of things. They begin to ask “why” questions and develop the ability to think logically and critically about the world around them. Their imagination flourishes and they love being able to transcend time and space, mentally traveling through history or exploring possible futures.


Conquest of Independence

This is a time when children transition from sensorimotor learning to becoming intellectual explorers. The intellectual independence they gain during this phase fuels their studies of mathematics, history, geography, art, and music. Montessori classrooms provide opportunities for children to explore these subjects with the motto: “Don’t tell me. I’ll figure it out myself.” Their journey toward independence extends beyond the academic to include a growing capacity for social reasoning and moral judgment.


The Herd Instinct and Socialization

One of the defining features of children in the second plane is their social nature. Children at this age exhibit a strong "herd instinct"—the need to belong to a group and collaborate with peers. They begin forming micro-societies and creating their own rules, roles, and expectations. These experiences allow them to practice social interactions and develop their conscience. It’s worth noting that as adult-directed activities (e.g. afterschool sports and classes) increase, children have fewer opportunities to work out social dynamics independently.


Moral Development and a Sense of Fairness

As elementary-age children seek independence, they also begin to develop a sense of morality. Children at this stage are sensitive to fairness and justice, and are likely to voice concerns when they perceive inconsistencies. This is when we frequently hear, “It’s not fair!” This stage is about the exploration of right and wrong and the ability to question rules and authority. The drama that unfolds in the classroom is often part of this process, as children navigate the complexities of social rules and develop their moral code.


A Fascination with the Extraordinary

Second plane children are drawn to the extraordinary, whether in the form of superheroes, mythical creatures, or fascinating civilizations. Their imagination is sparked by the idea of powers beyond the ordinary, and they are eager to explore cultures and histories that seem larger than life. This fascination with the exceptional provides them an avenue for exploring concepts of heroism, strength, and the human condition.


A Supportive, Community-Based Learning Environment


In a Montessori classroom, children are encouraged to work both independently and in groups. As such, the prepared environment of the second plane is designed to foster collaboration while allowing space for individual exploration. Group activities allow children to develop their social skills, negotiate rules, and practice taking on different roles within a community. Through these experiences, they are able to form their own moral code and develop their identity in relation to the group.


Children in this stage also have a thirst for knowledge that goes beyond what is available in the classroom. Montessori education encourages “Going Out” experiences—trips beyond the school to explore the wider world. These excursions allow children to engage with real-world problems, develop planning and execution skills, and build a deeper understanding of the subjects they are studying. Through these experiences, children come to see themselves as active participants in the world around them.


Montessori referred to the educational experience in the second plane as "cosmic education." In this phase, children are introduced to the universe as a whole, with an emphasis on the interconnectedness of all life. The Montessori curriculum for this stage revolves around the Five Great Lessons, which invite children into discovering more about the universe, the formation of the earth, the coming of plants and animals, the arrival of humans, and the development of written language and numbers. From these lessons, all areas of study—botany, geography, history, zoology, language, and more—emerge, inspiring awe and gratitude for the universe and humankind’s place within it.


Support from Home and Community


While second plane children are eager to explore beyond the family and classroom, they still require the strong support of their home, school, and peer group. Social activities become increasingly important, as group work provides them with the opportunity to practice collaboration, moral judgment, and self-expression. A strong, supportive environment—both at home and at school—helps children navigate this important stage in their development.


Curious to see how a school environment can meet the needs of six- to twelve-year-olds while inspiring deep learning? Schedule a tour of our classrooms!


Our Montessori Bookshelf: Autism Awareness
March 31, 2025
Celebrate Autism Awareness Month with our curated book list, fostering understanding and appreciation of neurodiversity in children. Explore stories that inspire!
Stages of Development Series: Maturity
March 24, 2025
Explore the final stage of human development (ages 18-24) through a Montessori lens—where independence, purpose, and meaningful societal contributions take shape.
Stages of Development Series: Adolescence
March 17, 2025
Explore the transformative adolescent years (ages 12-18) through a Montessori lens, fostering independence, social growth, and meaningful contributions to society.
Stages of Development Series: Infancy
March 3, 2025
Discover how Montessori education nurtures children's growth from birth to six years old, fostering independence, exploration, and language development.
Montessori and Real-World Learning: The Value of Micro-Economies in Adolescent Programs
January 27, 2025
Explore how Montessori adolescent programs foster independence, responsibility, and empathy through micro-economies, preparing students for adulthood.
Why do Montessori Classrooms Have Long, Uninterrupted Work Periods?
January 20, 2025
Explore the benefits of Montessori's uninterrupted work periods, fostering focus, deep learning, intrinsic motivation, and lifelong skills in children.
Montessori Explained: Handwashing as a Learning Activity
January 13, 2025
Learn why Montessori hand-washing stations foster fine motor skills, sequencing, and self-construction, supporting children’s love for purposeful work.
Supporting Children's Social Lives
January 6, 2025
Support your child’s social growth by listening, encouraging problem-solving, and fostering resilience while avoiding over-involvement in their challenges.
Two young montessori childrens are working together.
October 2, 2024
In today’s dynamic educational landscape, parents constantly seek innovative approaches that foster their children’s holistic development and lifelong learning skills. Montessori education stands out as a beacon of progressive and effective pedagogy. Rooted in the principles of self-directed learning, hands-on exploration, and individualized instruction, Montessori education offers a myriad of benefits that pave the way for a brighter future. Let’s delve deeper into the transformative power of Montessori education and why it’s a choice worth considering for your child’s educational journey. 1. Nurturing Independence and Self-Confidence Montessori classrooms are meticulously designed to empower children to take charge of their learning journey. Children are encouraged to explore, discover, and learn at their own pace through a carefully curated environment filled with age-appropriate materials. This fosters a sense of independence and self-reliance from an early age, laying a sturdy foundation for future success. As children master new skills through hands-on activities, they develop a deep sense of accomplishment, boosting their self-confidence and fueling their intrinsic motivation to learn. 2. Individualized Instruction Tailored to Each Child One of the hallmark features of Montessori education is its commitment to individualized instruction. Unlike traditional one-size-fits-all approaches, Montessori educators recognize and celebrate the unique strengths, interests, and learning styles of each child. By observing and understanding the developmental needs of every student, teachers are able to provide personalized guidance and support, ensuring that every child reaches their full potential. This personalized approach not only maximizes academic growth but also cultivates a deep love for learning that lasts a lifetime. 3. Fostering a Lifelong Love for Learning At the heart of Montessori education lies a profound belief in the innate curiosity and natural thirst for knowledge present in every child. By creating an environment that encourages exploration, creativity, and critical thinking, Montessori classrooms ignite a passion for learning that transcends the boundaries of the classroom. Whether it’s through engaging hands-on activities, collaborative projects, or self-directed inquiry, children develop a lifelong love for learning that extends far beyond their academic years, equipping them with the tools they need to thrive in an ever-evolving world. 4. Embracing Diversity and Global Citizenship Montessori education emphasizes the importance of cultivating respect, empathy, and understanding for others, fostering a culture of inclusivity and diversity. Through exposure to multicultural materials, celebrations, and experiences, children learn to appreciate and embrace differences, laying the groundwork for becoming compassionate global citizens. By promoting cultural awareness and sensitivity from a young age, Montessori education instills values of tolerance and acceptance, preparing children to navigate an increasingly interconnected world with empathy and open-mindedness. Conclusion  In essence, Montessori education offers a holistic approach to learning that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit of every child. By fostering independence, individuality, and a love for learning, Montessori classrooms empower children to reach their full potential and become active contributors to society. As parents, educators, and advocates, let us embrace the transformative power of Montessori education and pave the way for a brighter future for generations to come.
A montessori infant is sitting on a bed.
September 30, 2024
Beginning the toilet training process can seem daunting but if done at the right time in a gentle and collaborative way the process can be less challenging then one may think. Here are some guidleines and suggestions for successfully supporting your child with using the toilet indpendently. Sensitive Period for Toilet Learning: 15 – 30 months: The child will show interest and typically signs of physical and emotional readiness, participate willingly, and transition naturally to using the toilet successfully. After the Sensitive Period has passed, toilet learning is more challenging for the child. Readiness: As your child approaches age three, you may be bombarded with advice and expectations about toileting from everyone around you- family, friends, neighbors, and others. However, toilet learning can become a long and frustrating process if you try to start before your child is ready. One of the most crucial aspects of success is timing, so it is essential to understand the physical and emotional signs that your child is ready to begin. Preparing yourself, the rest of the family, and the child’s environment will also help to ensure a successful transition. Preparing the Environment: Physical Make the bathroom the area where you change diapers and offer the child to sit on the potty. Dispose of solid waste in the toilet and flush, helping the child make a strong connection between elimination, the toilet, and the flushing sound. Potty Training books for kids to look at and hear. Floor potty or cushy potty seat (to alleviate the fear of “falling in.”) Training pants, lots……….no diapers or pull-ups that may confuse. The feeling of getting “wet” is a natural consequence and will help the child toilet learn more successfully. Clothing that the child can easily “pull down” and “pull up” themselves (sweatpants, leggings, no zippers, buttons, buckles, etc.). Preparing the Environment: Psychological Engage in matter-of-fact conversations about the body, body parts, and elimination. Teach proper names, even though you and your child may prefer to use more familiar names daily. Tell toileting stories about older siblings, cousins, or even parents (“Everyone older used to wear a diaper, but now they all wear underwear.” – this may be a revelation!) Encourage by forecasting the future. (“When you start using the toilet, you won’t need diapers anymore, can wear soft underpants with paw patrol on them, won’t have to wait to be changed by an adult,” etc. ) It is important to try when there are no unforeseen changes to routine, such as travel, moving, a new baby, visitors, or illness. SIGNS OF PHYSICAL READINESS: Has mastered basic motor skills, such as walking, undressing, and talking. Has bowel movements around the same time each day. They are aware they have urinated or had a bowel movement. Has control of bladder and bowel muscles: indications of this are if the child has a dry diaper after napping and a dry diaper after 2 hours. ****MOST CHILDREN ARE PHYSICALLY READY BEFORE THEY ARE EMOTIONALLY READY. **** SIGNS OF EMOTIONAL READINESS: Tells you that they need a diaper change. Is interested in others using the toilet. Is receptive to trying to sit on a potty chair or toilet. Talks about wearing “big boy/big girl underpants.” Consistency is key. Once you have determined that your child is ready to begin toilet learning, consistency is crucial for their success. Having underwear on one day an d a diaper the next is confusing and can set back the toilet learning process. Use towels, plastic bags, and double training pants to secure leaks, messes, etc. It is common and normal for accidents to occur. When a child does soil themselves, be very calm and matter-of-fact with your responses. “Oh, you are wet; let’s go to the bathroom to change and get dry.” “It is ok; you are still learning.” ESTABLISH PRACTICAL EXPECTATIONS AND ROUTINES “In our house, we always sit on the potty… …When we wake up.” ...After breakfast.” …before getting in the car.” …when we get home from school.” …Before bath/bedtime.” USE YOUR VILLAGE FOR SUPPORT:  As a parent, you can get emotionally involved with this process. During this time, you must be supported by your spouse, partner, grandparents, aunts and uncles, teachers, etc. Prepare everyone around you for the experience and enlist other adults in the environment to support the process; stress and frustration on the adults’ part will impede the child’s success.
Show More
Share by: