Do children show periods of specific maturational aptness?
Sensitive periods are Maria Montessori’s name for age periods when a child shows unusual capabiloties in acquiring particular skills. For example, the sensitive period for writing is between 3 1/2 and 4 1/2. The recognition of words leading to reading and number recognition is 3 to 5. Precise movement and coordination usually takes place betwwn 2 1/2 and 4. Dr. Montessori found that a child is able to absorb more readily different subjects at different ages, or periods of growth.
