Is it True that Children Learn More from 0 to 6 Years Old? Understanding the Absorbent Mind
What is the Absorbent Mind?
Dr. Montessori coined the idea of the “absorbent mind” in 1949 when she published her book, The Absorbent Mind, after decades of working with children and observing this idea in action. So, what does it mean? The absorbent mind is a way to describe how young children soak up everything around them. Their brains, similar to sponges, help them learn to talk, walk, and understand how the world works. In her own words, she said, “The child has a type of mind that absorbs knowledge and instructs himself.” Specifically, Dr. Montessori noticed that children experienced the absorbent mind between birth and six years of age. During this period of early childhood, children are naturally able to learn almost effortlessly.Brain Development in the Early Years: Confirmation of the Absorbent Mind
Although during Dr. Montessori’s time, some scientific studies supported the idea that early childhood is important for brain growth, today, we have more evidence than ever. Specifically, scientists know more about brain growth, how children learn, and how their brains work. What we know today confirms Dr. Montessori’s concept of the absorbent mind. Brain Growth Experts say “the child’s brain reaches 90% of adult size between 0-6 years.” While the brain is growing, it creates many connections, or synapses. In particular, children’s brains are wired to build sensory pathways from input like sight and sound. Plus, children’s brains are primed to acquire language and cognitive functions. How Children Learn Just as Dr. Montessori suspected, we now know that children learn through everyday experiences. Plus, children learn differently than adults, and can be better learners in some ways. Instead of overcomplicating things, children tend to absorb new information and ideas without bringing in prior knowledge. This can sometimes benefit learning. Plus, children are particularly skilled at learning new information. This is because children can quickly produce and use more GABA neurotransmitters than adults. In particular, this helps children be able to learn more in quick succession, whereas adults need breaks between learning new things. This is part of what helps children soak up new information like sponges. Aside from everyday experiences, children also learn through play. Not only do children learn through play on their own, but they also learn through playful activities. This aligns with Dr. Montessori’s methodology, which guides children to learn through engaging and playful activities.How Can Education Help Shape Young Children?
Knowing how quickly and effectively children can learn, how can we help them take advantage of the absorbent mind? Educators, parents, and caregivers all play an important role. With the right approach, we can help young children use their special learning power to achieve their full potential.
Sensory Experiences
Dr. Montessori wrote in The Absorbent Mind, “The senses, being explorers of the world, open the way to knowledge.” Children learn through their senses of sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell.
In Montessori classrooms, an area of the curriculum is dedicated to sensory work. For example, children feel different textures on tiles, grade colors from light to dark, listen to and match sounds, and more. Other curriculum areas are also full of sensory experiences. For example, children may learn to make lemonade as a practical life lesson. From the scent of lemon to tasting the lemonade, this is a rich sensory experience.
In addition, parents can involve their children in everyday activities like cooking and gardening, which enrich the senses. These sensory experiences build children’s understanding of the world around them. It is through these early experiences that amazing learning and brain growth take place.
Rich Environment for Learning
In addition to sensory experiences, Dr. Montessori also believed in the power of the prepared environment. In Montessori teacher training, teachers learn how to create an ideal space for learning.
Dr. Montessori knew that children are motivated to learn when offered exciting, engaging activities. An enriching environment should include activities on a variety of topics like language, science, math, and more. For example, young children should be able to access books and writing tools to build literacy skills.
Dr. Montessori created specific materials and activities to help children learn. These materials help children learn actively through experiences, which is the way they learn best.
Respect and Support
Experts also believe that children need respectful, loving relationships to learn effectively. Dr. Montessori was one of the first people to believe that adults should treat children with respect and love. Instead of forcing children to complete lessons, Dr. Montessori invited children to lessons.
Foster Independence
Another important way to support children’s learning is by supporting their independence. From birth, children are on the road to achieving independence. When educators and caregivers support independence, children can build their confidence and sense of self-esteem. All of this supports positive mental health, which in turn supports learning.
Use Sensitive Periods
Dr. Montessori believed there were windows of opportunity, or sensitive periods, for learning certain skills and subjects. For example, young children are better at learning languages than adults, something experts today agree with. This means that educators and caregivers can provide children with more opportunities to learn foreign languages or develop language skills like reading and writing.
Learn More About the Absorbent Mind with Online Montessori Teacher Training
Parents, educators, and caregivers can all benefit from Montessori teacher training. Learning more about the Montessori philosophy can help you guide children to reach their full potential. Through your online Montessori teacher training, you can gain a deeper perspective on childhood development, including the absorbent mind. Plus, you’ll learn about the many materials, lessons, and activities that can help children take advantage of the absorbent mind.
At Montessori Professional Training Canada, we offer several different online Montessori training courses as well as workshops and in-person classes at our Calgary location. Get started so you can bring the benefits of Montessori to the children in your care. Feel free to get in touch with any questions. We would love to hear from you!
