The sensitive period for language is from 7 months in utero up to 5.5 to 6 years of age. There are several aspects of language from spoken language, to written language and reading. This is an integral part of a child’s life to be able to use words to use words or language in order to communicate. It is the progression from babbling to single words to phrases to two or three word sentences, with a continuously expanding vocabulary and comprehension. A second language is also learnt very easily at this time.

The sensitive period for learning to speak is from is from 7 months to 2.5-3 years of age. The prenatal influence on language development is important. By age three the child is ideally speaking 2-3 word sentences.

The environment we prepare for this child is speaking to them in clear language, reading to them and allowing them to speak their needs and not anticipating their needs too much that there is no need for the child to try to communicate verbally. This can be a common occurrence that adults are often not aware as we try to be helpful at all times to the needs of children.

The sensitive period for learning how to write is from 3.5 to 4.5 years of age. This occurs with the preparatory work of the child using the alphabet.

For reading, a child is learning intensely from 4.5 to 5.5. From the basis of writing they can learn to read. It is important then that a child is read to at least once a day if possible for about 20 minutes not necessarily continuously especially for younger children but accumulated.

MORE MONTESSORI SENSITIVE PERIODS:

Sensitive Period for Order (age 18 months to 2 years)
Sensitive Period for Language (birth to 6 years)
Sensitive Period for Movement (birth to 4 years)
Sensitive Period for Refinement of the Senses (birth to 5 years)
Sensitive Period for Weaning (5 to 6 months)
Sensitive Period for Numbers (4 to 5.5 years)
Sensitive Period for Manners and Courtesies (2 to 6 years)

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