Ridgeline Revealed

Ridgeline Revealed is a monthly article series that offers behind-the-scenes insights into the school, providing families with information on key aspects they may not typically see. Our goal is to share timely topics and increase transparency about day-to-day operations in a short easily digestible format. In the coming months, we’ll highlight subjects like Ridgeline's safety measures, how state testing data is used, class placement, and more. If there's a topic you'd like us to cover, feel free to reach out, and we'll consider it for a future article.

"I have found that in his development, the child passes through certain phases, each of which has its own particular needs. The characteristics of each are so different that the passages from one phase to the other have been described by certain psychologists as ‘rebirths’."

Sourced from Montessori Life Blog - The Official Blog of the American Montessori Society

Understanding Montessori’s planes of development and sensitive periods is crucial to grasping how the multi-age classroom supports a child's natural growth. Montessori education tailors learning environments to meet developmental needs at each stage, fostering cognitive, social, and emotional growth.

Montessori’s model divides child development into four planes, each characterized by distinct needs and sensitive periods. These guide the structure of multi-age classrooms, with three-year cycles designed to maximize potential during critical growth stages.

• Montessori’s developmental model includes four planes: 0-6, 6-12, 12-18, and 18-24 years.
• Sensitive periods within these planes guide the creation of prepared environments that support cognitive and social development.
• In Early Childhood (0-6 years), children’s learning is driven by sensory experiences and practical life skills that prepare them for future academic and social success.

Explore how each plane’s sensitive periods shape Montessori classrooms in the full article, including deeper dives into the developmental needs addressed through specialized materials and curricula.

Read the full article here:

Planes of Development and Sensitive Periods: Foundations of the Montessori Multi-Age Classroom

by Cynthia Brunold Conesa