2nd Plane of Development: Childhood from 6 years to 12 years

What are the planes of development? 

In her research, Dr. Montessori observed that children go through “phases” of development and that monumental changes occur as they move through each one. Each plane has unique characteristics.

• 1st Plane of Development: Infancy or Early Childhood from Birth to Age 6
  • Sub-planes:
    • Birth to 3 - The Unconscious Absorbent Mind
    • 3 to 6 - The Conscious Learner

• 2nd Plane of Development: Childhood from 6 years to 12 years

• 3rd Plane of Development: Adolescence from 12 years to 18 years

• 4th Plane of Development: Maturity from 18 years to 24 years

Please note that the ages are approximate.  The planes describe broad developmental tendencies that we typically see throughout each age range.

Why do the planes of development matter?

Children change so much as they grow, and sometimes those changes can leave us wondering, “What is going on with my child?” Understanding the planes of development gives us a framework for understanding these changes and what children may need at each stage. 

When we recognize what is happening developmentally, we can respond to a child’s needs rather than simply reacting to their behaviour.

2nd Plane of Development: Childhood from 6 years to 12 years

Around age 6, children undergo a major shift in their development. Dr. Montessori described the transition between planes as a series of “rebirths” because it’s almost as if a new child has emerged. You may notice changes in how your child thinks, learns, asks questions and relates to the world around them.

Characteristics of the 2nd Plane: 

1. The Reasoning Mind

Children become increasingly capable of reasoning, imagining and thinking beyond what they can directly see and experience.

What parents might see: Lots of questions, especially “why?” questions, fascination with how things work, elaborate stories and a desire to understand the reasons behind things.

What parents can do: Talk through ideas with them, encourage questions and give them opportunities to investigate and discover.  A great time to introduce children to the concept of research.  

2. Imagination

Around age 6, Dr. Montessori observed a shift in how children use their imagination. They begin to think beyond what they have directly experienced, imagining things they cannot see or experience firsthand. This opens up enormous possibilities for learning about history, geography, science, culture and the wider universe.

What parents might see: Creating elaborate imaginary worlds, becoming fascinated with dinosaurs or space, imagining what it would be like to live in another time or place or inventing stories and explanations.

What parents can do:  Feed their imagination with stories, experiences, books, conversations and opportunities to explore big ideas.

3. Social Development

Children become increasingly interested in working with others. Friends, groups and a sense of belonging become much more important.

What parents might see: Wanting to work with friends, forming strong friendships, caring about what others think and becoming interested in group activities.

What parents can do: Give children opportunities to collaborate, solve problems together and participate in their community.

4. Morality and Justice

Children begin developing their own sense of morality and become increasingly concerned with fairness and justice.

What parents might see: Arguing about whether something is fair, questioning rules, pointing out when someone isn't following the rules or becoming very concerned about inconsistencies.

What parents can do:  Talk about the reasons behind rules, listen to their ideas and help them think through different perspectives rather than simply telling them what is right or wrong.

5. Deep Interests

Children in the second plane often develop an enormous appetite for knowledge. When something captures their imagination, they may want to learn everything they can about it.

What parents might see:  An intense interest in dinosaurs, animals, space, a particular historical period, art, sports or almost anything else.

What parents can do:  Follow those interests. Provide books, experiences, materials and opportunities for your child to go deeper.