Mighty Oaks Montessori School

Stages of Development Series: Infancy

March 3, 2025

Imagine education from a fresh perspective—one that sees children not as empty vessels waiting to be filled but as whole individuals embarking on a lifelong journey of self-formation. From the moment of birth, children are driven by powerful internal forces that guide their growth and help them adapt to their unique time, place, and culture. This remarkable ability to evolve and adapt is a defining trait of our human species.


The Montessori approach to education is built upon this profound understanding of human development. Dr. Maria Montessori dedicated her life's work to observing how children grow and change over time, identifying key developmental stages that shape their path to maturity. Through her scientific observations, she identified four distinct planes of development, each with its own unique characteristics and needs.


In this four-part blog series, we’ll explore each of these four stages—birth to age six, six to twelve, twelve to eighteen, and eighteen to twenty-four—unpacking how Montessori education adapts to support children’s evolving needs at every phase of growth. By understanding these developmental stages, we can better support young people on their journey to becoming capable, independent, and fulfilled individuals.


Infancy (Birth to Age Six)


The first plane of development is an extraordinary period of psychological and physical growth. Newborns enter the world entirely dependent, unable to move or communicate. Yet, within just six years, they are walking, talking, and asserting their independence with intellect and will.


Characteristics of the First Six Years


During this transformative stage, children require ample sleep to support their rapid development. However, when they are awake, their curiosity knows no bounds. They explore their surroundings with boundless energy, using their senses to touch, smell, taste, hear, and examine everything in their environment.


Conquest of Independence


One of the primary goals during this stage is achieving functional independence. Children are eager to take care of their own needs and are naturally inclined to observe and imitate the actions of adults. The mantra of children at this stage is: “Help me do it myself!”


Sensitive Periods


Children in the first plane experience sensitive periods—windows of opportunity when they are uniquely receptive to acquiring essential skills.


Movement: Young children need movement to develop brain-body integration.


Order: They crave order to make sense of their surroundings, learning what happens and how objects are used.


Language Acquisition: This is a critical period for language development, during which children absorb words and speech patterns effortlessly.


These sensitivities drive children’s development, shaping their understanding of the world.


Observable Milestones


One of the most profound achievements in this phase is the acquisition of spoken language. Talking to newborns, for example, stimulates vocal cord development, and astonishingly, their vocal cords vibrate when adults speak to them. From being essentially mute at birth, toddlers can have a vocabulary of around 200 words by age two and an impressive 10,000 words by the end of this phase. This makes it essential to provide a language-rich environment during these formative years.


Physically, this period is one of monumental growth. Children progress from being immobile to sitting, crawling, walking, speaking, and independently eating. As adults, we must be mindful about supporting rather than hindering this development. We want to offer rather than limit growth opportunities for our children!


The Sub-Planes: Ages 0 to 3 and Ages 3 to 6


The first plane of development can be divided into two distinct sub-phases:


Ages 0 to 3: Children’s development is largely unconscious, driven by innate forces. During this phase, children absorb the world around them and do so without any filters. It’s important during this time that adults respect children’s natural developmental path without imposing external motivations.


Ages 3 to 6: During these years, children become more consciously aware of their actions and motivations. This is when we see the emergence of children’s willpower and the powerful drive to classify and understand their environment. Children become more conscious learners. 


As they grow, children naturally identify patterns, similarities, and differences based on their experiences. They construct their understanding of the world from scratch, and active experiences in their environment play a crucial role in shaping their cognitive development.


Social Development in the First Plane


During their first three years, children form strong bonds with their primary caregivers and family, finding comfort in a small social circle. They prefer solitary exploration and engage in parallel play.


By age three, children seek a broader social experience beyond the family. They require opportunities to interact with peers and engage in community life, which fosters independence and social development.


Creating a Supportive Environment


Providing the right environment is crucial to supporting children during their early years. Key elements of an optimal environment include:


A Secure Home: A safe and loving home helps children build trust and confidence in the world around them.


Freedom to Explore: Children need space and opportunities to move and explore safely, both indoors and outdoors.


Language Exposure: A rich linguistic environment helps children build vocabulary and develop confidence in self-expression.


Participation in Daily Life: Involvement in practical life activities helps children develop independence and a sense of belonging.


Cultural Experiences: Exposure to family traditions, rituals, and cultural practices helps children adapt to their culture and understand their place within it.


As children develop over the course of this stage of life, they also benefit from being part of a social community and, in the process, learn valuable lessons about cooperation, sharing, and responsibility.


By understanding the characteristics and needs of the first plane of development, we can create environments that nurture children’s natural growth, independence, and exploration. We invite you to visit our school to see for yourself how a prepared environment can meet the needs of our youngest children!


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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.
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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.
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