“The greatest gifts we can give our children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.”
– Dr. Montessori
The First Plane of Development: Building the Foundation for Life
The Montessori approach emphasizes how children develop through distinct phases, or “planes,” each with unique needs and opportunities for growth. The First Plane of Development, spanning from birth to age six, is a transformative period where children experience rapid physical, emotional, and cognitive growth.
This phrase perfectly captures the essence of the First Plane. Children in this stage are like sponges, absorbing everything from their environment. Dr. Montessori referred to this as the period of the “Absorbent Mind,” where children learn effortlessly through exploration and imitation.
Children thrive when provided with:
A Prepared Environment: Organized, beautiful spaces tailored to their size encourage exploration and self-reliance. Low shelves, child-sized furniture, and accessible tools foster autonomy.