“It is this sensibility [sensitive periods] which enables a child to come into contact with the external world in a particularly intense manner. Every effort marks an increase in power. “
-Maria Montessori
Sensitive Period for Small Objects
The sensitive period for small objects is from the ages of one through four. During this stage, children are deeply focused on observing all small objects. This could be anything from little rocks to weeds, to seemingly every speck of dirt on the floor. By observing small details of objects in their environment, a child grows cognitively and can understand more complex topics later on.
While it may be easy to worry about choking hazards or distractions, understand that observing small objects is an important part of a child’s work at this early age. As guides, we must allow children to safely observe small objects on their own time. Simple reminders and demonstrations of observing with our hands and eyes will help keep small objects out of mouths and noses.
Promote this focused learning by adding small objects and miniature objects to your school, classroom or home. For example, learning about the seasons can be a big concept for children to grasp. Make it simpler with a four season sorting activity that includes small items that relate to each of the four seasons. This work can be used throughout the year as teachers dive into the concept of changing seasons and time.
Sorting and Classification
When children are learning early reading skills, they need practice with sorting and classification. Adding small objects with this objective in mind is great work to have throughout the classroom. The fruits and vegetables sorting work is a great way to teach vocabulary of fruits and vegetables while also promoting the practice of sorting and classification. You can also add miniature animals in a wide range of work within the classroom from early vocabulary games to animal classification work.
This week’s free worksheet relates to sorting fruits and vegetables!
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