Define the term sensitive periods and link them appropriately to the child’s first stage of development. Explain how you would support these sensitive periods during this first crucial stage.

In this essay I will define the term sensitive periods linking it with stage of development, I will also outline the importance of these periods , the consequences of not recognising it, and finally how we can support children in this crucial time.

"A sensitive periods refers to a special sensibility which a creature in its infantile state, while it is still in a process of evolution". ( Montessori, 1966, p38) Maria Montessori believed that during first few years of life its very easy for a child to learn without an effort that later on will …show more content…

There are also many helpful toys that require explaining or speaking that we can provide as picture cards songs, electronic speaking toys play rhyming games together, sing songs. Writing process child begins to practice around 3,5 of age and to practice this there are materials such as colouring and tracing books. To allow the opportunity for reading we should rather read with a child, rather than just reading to him/her. Beginning with simpler reading materials that encourage and boost confidence in child before moving on to phrases or sentences.

The other sensitive periods is movement. Children must be able to move around in their environment in order to learn about surroundings and form relationships and gain independence. The environment should be prepared to give opportunities for the child to crawl pull up and walk and run providing materials and toys visits to the park and outdoors activities. Child will learn those skills through repetition also increasing concentration and co-ordination.

Once a child has begun to move about freely, we may observe a fascination for small objects. As mobility increases, so too the desire to explore. They have the desire to explore, which leads them to a better understanding of their surroundings and develop senses. At this periods their gross motor skills and eye-to- hand coordination is rather well developed and allows them to meet their exploration as well as their hand coordination with smaller