Planes Of Development
The Second Plane of Development
Information:
The second plane of development in Montessori's philosophy is for children ages 6 to 12. This stage encompasses a wide range of growth. During this period, children experience significant intellectual development as they transition from concrete to abstract thinking. As you will see below, I will provide information on the characteristics, sensitive periods, and human tendencies observed in this stage.
Sensitive Periods
- Justice and Moral Judgments
- Social Relationships
- Money and Economic Value
- The Abstract Use of the Imagination
- The Use of Tools and Machines
- A Sense of History and Time
- A Sense of Human Culture and Membership in the Human Family
- A Sense of How the World Works
Characteristics
- Development of the Reasoning Mind:
- Children shift from concrete to abstract thinking, asking "why" and exploring logical reasoning.
- Imagination and Abstraction:
- They use imagination to grasp abstract ideas and concepts that are beyond direct experience.
- Moral Development:
- A strong sense of justice and fairness emerges, with an interest in moral reasoning and ethical decision-making.
- Social Awareness:
- The child seeks to understand their place in the social world, forming deeper connections and collaborating with peers.
- Curiosity and Exploration:
- A natural drive to explore the world intellectually, particularly in areas of culture, science, and history.
- Energetic Physical Growth:
- The body grows rapidly, but energy shifts towards intellectual pursuits and social interactions.
- Hunger for Knowledge:
- Children want to learn about the universe, human culture, and systems, striving to make sense of their place in the world.
- Hero Worship:
- They idealize historical figures, leaders, or individuals who represent virtues and achievements.
Human Tendencies
- Order:
- An innate desire to create structure, classify knowledge, and organize information.
- Exploration:
- The tendency to question and investigate the environment, driven by curiosity.
- Work:
- Engagement in purposeful activities that contribute to intellectual and personal growth.
- Communication:
- An increasing ability to express complex ideas, negotiate, and share knowledge with peers.
- Orientation:
- Developing an understanding of where they belong in the social, cultural, and natural world.
- Abstraction and Imagination:
- The ability to conceptualize ideas and solve problems without physical materials, often exploring "what if" scenarios.
- Self-Perfection:
- A natural inclination to improve skills, gain mastery, and achieve personal goals.
- Cultural Adaptation:
- Absorbing societal norms, values, and knowledge to function as a member of the human family.
- Interdependence:
- Recognizing the interconnectedness of humanity and the environment, fostering collaboration and empathy.