SENSITIVE PERIODS
Another observation of Dr. Montessori’s which has been reinforced by modern research is the importance of the sensitive periods for early learning.
These periods of intense fascination for learning a particular characteristic or skill, such as going up and down steps, putting things in order, counting or reading.

It is easier for the child to learn a particular skill during the corresponding sensitive period than at any other time in their life. The Montessori classroom takes advantage of this fact by allowing children the freedom to select individual activities which correspond to their own periods of interest.