Sensitive Periods: Coordination of Movement

Sensitive periods inform so much of Montessori practices. Understanding the sensitive periods of early development can support your parenting in so many positive ways. Sensitive periods occur exclusively in the first plane of development, which is birth to around age 6. During sensitive periods, children experience an explosion in certain areas of their development. These bursts in learning support the development of characteristics that they will carry with them for the rest of their life. The sensitive periods are order, language, sensory perception and coordination of movement.

The sensitive period for movement occurs from birth to around age 4.5-5. During this time, children are growing so much physically and mentally. The sensitive period for movement spans the development of all movement up to the refinement of fine motor skills.

The Montessori method supports the sensitive period for coordination of movement by providing opportunities for intelligent movement. In The 1946 London Lectures, Montessori said: “The problem is not to move, but to move in relationship with the intelligence.” (pg. 159). Intelligent movement is built into the Montessori classroom, from practical life all the way to distance games with math!

Maximum effort is an important part of the sensitive period for coordination of movement. A child’s work is maximum effort. Maximum effort explains the need to put their pants on backwards six times, the need to carry bags that weigh more than they do and the need to make six trips when one would do. Maximum effort explains your child doing things in the most physically difficult way possible! For young children, the doing is the crucial part of their development. The process of doing is how they learn. You can support your child’s sensitive period for coordination of movement by supporting their need to exert maximum effort. Find places in your day when they can take the long way to get from point a to point b. Plan for extra time to help them prepare meals or carry in groceries, even if it means the task itself takes longer. Give them opportunities to carry or push heavy loads. Create space in your routines that gives them the time to put on their shirt upside down and backwards before they get it right. Some days, it may feel impossible to fit in extra time for these things. Even just a few extra minutes to let them go at their own pace can support their sensitive period for coordination of movement.