Sensitive Period

 

Dr. Maria Montessori's concept of Sensitive Periods refers to key phases in a child's development when they are especially receptive to learning certain skills. During these times, children instinctively gravitate toward specific experiences that support their growth, like a thirsty child drawn to water, while showing less interest in other surroundings.

 

The Game of Hide and Seek: Routine and Predictability Matter

 

The true story below illustrates one of the most significant characteristics of the sensitive periods—the child’s strong sense of order.

 

One day, Dr. Montessori was playing hide-and-seek with a group of young children. At first, it seemed like an ordinary game. A little boy went to hide behind the curtain, giggling all the way. When Montessori approached, he squealed with joy, making no effort to actually stay hidden.

 

After finding him, the boy said with great excitement, “Now you hide!” Montessori chuckled and played along. She hid behind the same curtain, and when the boy found her, he burst out laughing as though it was the funniest thing in the world.

 

Then another child took a turn, hiding in exactly the same spot—behind the curtain. Each child followed the same routine, and every time, they all seemed delighted when the “hidden” person was found.

 

Wanting to make the game a little more exciting, Montessori decided to mix things up. When it was her turn to hide again, she chose a different spot instead of the curtain. She imagined their surprise when they had to search a little harder this time.

 

But when the children found her, they weren’t delighted. They were upset.

 

“That’s not fair!” one of them cried, pouting.

 

“You’re supposed to hide behind the curtain!” another said, clearly frustrated.

 

Montessori was puzzled by their reaction. “But isn’t the game about hiding and finding someone?” she asked.

 

“No!” the children insisted. “You’re supposed to hide where we know you’ll be!” 

 

It was an eye-opening moment for her. For these young children, the game wasn’t about the thrill of real hiding and seeking. She realized that their happiness and sense of security depended on things being in their right and expected places. If the rules of this predictable order were broken, the fun disappeared.