The Absorbent Mind

Dr. Montessori referred to the child’s first years as the period of the absorbent mind, a period in which the child readily absorbs information from their environment with the use of all of their senses. With this information, they begin to form perceptions of the world around them and their role in it. During these foundational years, the child also passes through a number of sensitive periods, periods of refined focus in which they absorb information without effort to meet a physical, cognitive, social or emotional need. Sensitive periods for the young child include sensitive periods for order, movement, and language.

“The senses, being explorers of the world, open the way to knowledge.” Maria Montessori

For these reasons, we believe it is essential that children between the ages of zero and three are provided with ample opportunities to explore, move and utilize all of their senses in a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment.

 Social-Emotional Development: Attachment and Independence

The child’s first years also serve as an important period in which they develop social and emotional skills that will serve them for the rest of their life. This process of development begins at birth with healthy and secure attachments to the child’s primary caregiver and extends to others as the child grows. From infancy, the child is learning to build relationship with others, and healthy emotional bonds in the child’s early days, weeks, and years help form a lasting fundamental trust in the world which serves as a basis for future healthy relationships.  

With secure attachment, the child is able to work towards independence, not a forced independence, but one fostered by loving, nurturing guidance advocated by Dr. Montessori who viewed the child as a being worthy of respect and love.