Hi there! My name is Ashley, and as a mom of two girls, I completely understand the challenges of parenting young children. In this video, created by Hapa Family, we will explore 5 practical ways to support the sensitive period for order in Montessori at home. We all know how chaotic things can get when our little ones go into meltdown mode over small things like having the wrong-colored cup or a disruption to their routine. Dr. Montessori, a pioneer in child development, discovered the concept of sensitive periods, which are windows of opportunity for learning in young children’s lives. The sensitive period for order is particularly crucial for children between birth and age six because they have a strong need for order in their environment, which provides stability and comfort. By providing a rhythm and flow to the day, offering limited choices, and maintaining a designated place for everything, we can support their sense of order and help them develop a strong foundation for their understanding of the world. So, let’s dive into these practical tips and explore how you can support your child’s sensitive period for order at home!
Understanding the Sensitive Period for Order
What are sensitive periods?
Sensitive periods are windows of opportunity for learning in young children’s lives. These are specific periods of time when children are drawn to learning and mastering a particular skill or concept. It’s like an intense urge that they have, even though they might not be consciously aware of it. During these sensitive periods, children are more receptive to certain types of learning and are able to absorb information and acquire skills more easily. Dr. Montessori identified several sensitive periods, including movement, language, order, grace, and courtesy.
The importance of the sensitive period for order
The sensitive period for order is especially important for children between birth and age six. It may seem counter-intuitive to think that young children have a need for order, as they are often seen as messy and disorganized. However, order is crucial for young children’s development. Order provides stability and a sense of comfort for children, helping them understand and make sense of the world around them. When their sense of order is disrupted, it can lead to distress and even physical illness. Therefore, understanding and supporting the sensitive period for order is essential for promoting children’s overall well-being and development.
Dr. Montessori’s contribution to child development
Dr. Montessori was a pioneer in child development and education. Through her observations of children, she recognized the importance of sensitive periods and their role in children’s learning and development. She observed that children have specific periods of heightened sensitivity to certain skills and concepts, and she developed educational methods and materials to support and optimize these sensitive periods. Her approach emphasizes creating a prepared environment that meets the developmental needs of children, including their sensitive period for order.
Creating a Rhythm and Flow to the Day
The benefits of a predictable routine
Establishing a predictable routine for your child can have numerous benefits. A predictable routine helps children feel secure and know what to expect throughout the day. It provides them with a sense of structure and helps them develop a sense of time. A routine allows children to anticipate and prepare for transitions, reducing their anxiety and stress levels. It also promotes independence and self-regulation, as children learn to manage their time and take responsibility for their daily activities.
Establishing a daily schedule
To create a rhythm and flow to the day, it’s helpful to establish a daily schedule. This schedule should include regular mealtimes, nap times or quiet times, and designated periods for learning and play. It’s important to be flexible with the schedule and adapt it to your child’s individual needs and preferences. While it’s beneficial to have a routine, it’s also important to allow for spontaneity and free play. By balancing structure with flexibility, you can create a harmonious and engaging daily routine for your child.
Incorporating transitions and rituals
Transitions between activities can be challenging for young children. They may resist leaving a preferred activity or become overwhelmed when moving from one activity to another. To support smooth transitions, it can be helpful to incorporate transition rituals. These rituals can be simple actions or phrases that signal the end of one activity and the beginning of another. For example, you could say a special goodbye phrase before leaving the house or have a special song you sing as you transition to mealtime. These rituals provide a sense of closure and help children transition more easily.
Offering Limited Choices
Empowering children with decision-making
Offering limited choices is a powerful way to empower children and foster their independence. When children have the opportunity to make choices, they develop decision-making skills and a sense of control over their environment. However, it’s important to offer choices within limits. Too many choices can overwhelm and confuse young children, leading to decision fatigue. By offering a few meaningful choices, you can help children develop their decision-making abilities while ensuring they feel supported and guided.
Setting boundaries in daily activities
While it’s important to offer choices, it’s equally important to set boundaries and establish clear expectations for daily activities. Children thrive with structure and clear guidelines. By setting boundaries, you help children understand their limits and develop self-discipline. Boundaries provide a sense of order and help children feel secure. It’s important to communicate boundaries in a calm and consistent manner, and to provide clear explanations for why certain behaviors or actions are not allowed. With consistent boundaries, children can develop self-control and respect for their environment.
Creating an organized physical space
In addition to setting boundaries, creating an organized physical space is crucial for supporting the sensitive period for order. When children know where things belong and can easily access their materials, they feel a sense of order and control. Designate specific places for toys, books, and other items, and involve your child in the process of organizing their belongings. Use clear labels or picture cues to help young children identify where things go. By creating an organized environment, you support your child in developing independence, responsibility, and a sense of order.
Designated Place for Everything
The benefits of order in the environment
Order in the environment plays a vital role in supporting children’s development. An orderly environment provides a sense of stability, allowing children to focus and concentrate on their activities. When materials are organized and easily accessible, children can engage in independent exploration and learning. Order also promotes responsibility, as children learn to take care of their belongings and return them to their designated places. Additionally, order fosters a sense of calm and reduces stress, creating a peaceful environment for children to thrive.
Creating a place for each item
To support the sensitive period for order, it’s important to create a designated place for each item in your child’s environment. This applies to toys, books, clothing, and any other items your child interacts with on a daily basis. Involve your child in the process of creating and organizing these spaces. Use child-friendly storage solutions, such as low shelves or bins, to make it easy for your child to access and put away their belongings. By assigning a specific place for each item, you help your child develop a sense of order and responsibility.
Teaching children to tidy up after themselves
Teaching children to tidy up after themselves is an essential part of supporting the sensitive period for order. Encourage your child to clean up their toys and belongings after each activity. Model and demonstrate the process of tidying up, breaking it down into simple steps. Use visual cues, such as pictures or labels, to help your child identify where things belong. Make tidying up a fun and engaging activity by turning it into a game or playing music. By involving your child in the tidying-up process, you instill in them a sense of responsibility and ownership over their environment.
Supporting Upset and Disruption
Understanding children’s need for order
When children become upset due to disruptions to their sense of order, it’s important to understand and acknowledge their need for order. Remember that young children rely on the stability and predictability of their environment to make sense of the world. When this stability is disrupted, they can feel overwhelmed and anxious. By recognizing and addressing their need for order, you can support them in navigating and managing their emotions. Take the time to listen and empathize with your child when they are upset, and provide reassurance that order will be restored.
Showing compassion and understanding
When children are upset or experiencing disruptions to their sense of order, it’s crucial to show compassion and understanding. Validate your child’s feelings and let them know that it’s okay to feel upset. By acknowledging their emotions, you create a safe space for them to express themselves and process their feelings. Offer comfort and reassurance, and provide opportunities for them to regain their sense of order and stability. Remember that your child’s emotions are valid and important, and they rely on you for support and guidance.
Helping children regain their sense of order
When disruptions occur, it’s important to help children regain their sense of order and stability. One way to do this is by restoring the physical environment to its usual order. Encourage your child to participate in the process of tidying up and organizing their belongings. This not only helps them regain a sense of control but also reinforces the importance of order and responsibility. Additionally, establish routines and rituals that provide a sense of predictability and structure. By providing clear expectations and consistent routines, you can help children regain their sense of order and navigate disruptions more easily.
Supporting the Sensitive Period for Order from Birth
Implementing tips and strategies from birth
The sensitive period for order begins at birth and continues throughout early childhood. Therefore, it’s important to support this sensitive period from the very beginning. You can start by creating a calm and organized environment for your newborn. Use soft colors and simple décor to create a peaceful atmosphere. Establish a consistent routine for feeding, sleeping, and playtime. Introduce order in small ways, such as arranging your baby’s clothes in a specific order or organizing their diaper-changing supplies. By incorporating these small practices from birth, you lay the foundation for supporting the sensitive period for order.
Continuing to support development throughout early years
As your child grows, their need for order will evolve. It’s important to continue supporting their development during the sensitive period for order throughout their early years. Adjust your routines and physical environment to meet their changing needs and abilities. Provide opportunities for independence and decision-making, while also setting appropriate boundaries and guidelines. Encourage your child to take responsibility for their belongings and activities, and guide them in developing organizational skills. By consistently supporting their need for order, you contribute to their overall development and well-being.
Adapting as children grow
As your child grows and develops, their understanding of order and organization will deepen. It’s essential to adapt your strategies and approaches to meet their changing needs. Offer more complex choices and opportunities for decision-making as they become older. Involve them in the process of organizing their space and belongings, allowing them to take on more responsibility. Encourage them to plan and manage their time, fostering their sense of order and independence. By adapting and evolving with your child, you support their ongoing sensitive period for order and promote their growth and development.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding and supporting the sensitive period for order is crucial for promoting children’s development and well-being. By creating a rhythm and flow to the day, offering limited choices, providing a designated place for everything, and supporting children during disruptions, you can effectively support this sensitive period. Implementing these strategies from birth and continuing to adapt as children grow contributes to their overall development and prepares them for success in the future. Remember, the benefits of supporting the sensitive period for order extend beyond childhood and have a lasting impact on children’s lives. So, embrace the opportunity to foster a sense of order and organization in your child’s life, and watch them thrive.