Maria Montessori's "Planes of Development"
Maria Montessori, based on her scientific observations of children, developed Four Planes of developmental growth for the child. She concluded that a child's growth is more like that of a butterfly, with a number of critical transformations starting in the first six years, continuing into the intermediate stage of childhood (ages 6-12), and followed by another period of transformation during the ages of 12-18. The implementation of the Montessori principles changes in scope and manner to embrace the child's changing characteristics, needs and interests at each plane of development. The following paragraphs briefly summarize these planes.
Infancy - Birth to Age 6
In Dr. Montessori's outline, the first plane of development occurs from birth to age six and is known as "infancy." At this stage children are sensorial explorers, building their intellects by absorbing every aspect of their environment, their language and their culture. This plane is divided into two subdivisions: 0-3 (the "Unconscious Absorbent Mind") and 3-6 years (the "Conscious Absorbent Mind").
- Between the ages of 0-3 years, the child takes in the whole of his environment unconsciously. He is constantly absorbing impressions and yet does this without knowing that he is doing so.
- The Conscious Absorbent Mind begins when the child starts to intentionally act on his own, selecting activities based on his earlier experiences. Conscious intelligence begins to develop when the hand becomes the instrument of the brain as the child manipulates the objects he discovers in his environment. In the first plane of development the child works at the construction of his own self, focusing all his energy on creating the individual in all areas of experience (physical, intellectual, social, and emotional).
Childhood - 6 Years to 12 Years
The second plane of development occurs between six years and twelve years of age and is known as "childhood." This is a time of great physical and mental strength. Children's character becomes stronger. They become aware of themselves in relationship to others.
- This period is characterized by the marked development of a "herd" instinct. The children are drawn to interact socially and to seek one another's company. Additionally they are compelled to examine the rightness and wrongness of social interactions.
- Mentally, the children become conceptual explorers. They develop their powers of reasoning, abstraction, and imagination. During these years, children are capable of accomplishing great mental work and accumulating a tremendous store of cultural information.
Adolescence - 12 Years to 18 Years
The third plane of development occurs between 12 and 18 years of age and is known as "adolescence." This plane is divided into two subdivisions: 12-15 years (Puberty) and 15-18 years (Adolescence). This overall plane is one of great physical mental and social transformation and it marks the end of childhood. This period of life, when physical maturity is reached, is a difficult time because of its rapid development and the changes that take place within the body.
- During this plane, children become explorers seeking to understand their places as individuals in society and their opportunities to contribute to the society. It is a time of high ideals and wishing to help others. They are ready to experience economic independence and to explore ways in which they can be productive and remunerated for their services.
Maturity - 18 Years to 24 Years
The fourth plane of development occurs between 18 and 24 years of age and is known as "maturity." As young adults, individuals become specialized explorers, seeking a niche from which to contribute to the whole of humanity.
- In this stage they finalize who they are and how they experience the world. If the child is allowed to unfold according to its natural development, and is provided with the right environment, he/she can offer his/her gifts to the rest of humanity.