The Sensitive Periods in child development-III



Here we are , gonna learn the next three sensitivity periods in child development.

Missed the earlier posts ? Here are the links , click them and you will be re-routed.


This is the third part and the last 3 three Periods of sensitivity are given here in detail :

4) The Period of Sensitivity for Walking

                   We undoubtedly agree that movement does not support mental development as we often think about people sitting still during intellectual activity. But, a brain does not develop without the solidarity of movement. So, a child’s sensitivity for walking is a significant one.

         A happy child of 2 years of age loves to walk exploring keenly to discover new places and move about. We as adults move only to reach a goal but a child moves frequently to practice walking, climbing or running to perfection. We would have definitely seen young children climbing up and down the stairs carefully and constantly even if we impede their path. Happy Feet 


Happy Feet 

                 When we take children for walks, we misjudge their aptitude to walk thinking they cannot walk long distances. It is illogical, as we should allow them to walk at their own pace. The child not only walks, he also explores his environment. He walks a short distance, stops if he finds something interesting, explores it keenly, and then proceeds after the break. This way he can walk over a mile. The child’s impulse to move about from one place to another relentlessly ascertaining new things, resemble the first tribesman who strolled on the earth.

                   We as educators need to make a principle in our schools to provide scholarly benefits to the little active explorer. This will definitely make the child’s life increasingly rich.

5) The Period of Sensitivity for Small Objects

                   At the age of one year, the child begins crawling and starts to walk on his knees. Then he holds some support and tries to walk upright on his two legs. He practices it proficiently and persistently. Once the child starts walking, he gets a larger area to explore. So he starts ardent investigation on the small objects that he passes on his way. 

Likewise, when he goes for a walk, he stops and surveys each object, and gets attracted to small objects in particular. He examines them carefully, focused to every detail where to tries to build up an understanding with the environment around him. We should appreciate this great effort, which also helps in his academic intensification.


Exploring small objects

6) The Period of Sensitivity to Social Aspects of Life

                   When children become three years of age, they realize that they are part of a group. Social Integration occurs when the child thinks about the success of his group then the individual person’s success. Social behaviour linked with child’s character, should be cultivated in the school itself. 

For example, a Montessori School should be well equipped with one complete set of Apparatus, which is effectively liked by all children. One specimen of each object is enough, which will help the child to develop important social qualities. The child learns to respect others work and wait for his turn. Following this, lot of virtues like patience, discipline, obedience, adaptation to the society, satisfactory behaviour etc … is inculcated in the child’s personality. It is not the teacher who teaches them these virtues. It is the freedom to work in the environment we have prepared carefully that fosters them.



                   After six years of age, children are keen in knowing the laws and customs adopted by Men and also about social communal leaders. Abandoned children get into rebellious gang against adult-made rules and regulations.

                   So, when we talk about conclusion, it is evident, that we need to provide a good environment and right materials for the future adults to work with, for the betterment of humanity.


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