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

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

Montessori described adolescence as a period of tremendous psychological transformation, comparable to the first plane.  Just as children in the first plane are building the foundations of who they are, adolescents are undergoing another major period of transformation as they develop their identity, independence and place in society.

Characteristics of the 3rd Plane:

1. Physical and Psychological Transformation

Puberty brings major physical, hormonal and emotional changes. At the same time, adolescents are developing a stronger sense of identity and independence.

What parents might see:  Greater sensitivity, changing moods, a strong desire for privacy and independence, questioning authority and becoming more aware of how others perceive them.

What parents can do:  Give adolescents increasing responsibility and independence while continuing to provide support, guidance and a safe relationship they can rely on.

2. Social Birth

Montessori referred to adolescence as a “social birth.” Young people are beginning to figure out who they are, where they belong and how they want to contribute to the wider community.

What parents might see:  A strong interest in friendships, belonging, social issues, identity and their place in the world.

What parents can do: Give them meaningful opportunities to contribute, make decisions and participate in their community.

3. The Humanistic Mind

Adolescents become increasingly interested in humanity, society, ethics, relationships and the larger questions of how people should live together.

What parents might see:  Strong opinions, idealism, passion about social issues and a desire to make the world better.

What parents can do:  Take their ideas seriously. Give them opportunities to discuss, debate, investigate and act on issues that matter to them.