Children at the Early Childhood Level (Ages 2 ½ – 6)

This handout will give you a general idea of the characteristics of children ages 2½ – 6 and their “sensitive periods,” along with thoughts about what you, as a parent, can do to support them at home.

 

Sensitive periods are the times during human development when children are biologically ready and receptive to acquiring a specific skill or ability, and are therefore particularly sensitive to stimuli that promote the development of that skill. A Montessori teacher prepares the environment to meet the developmental needs of each sensitive period.