Planes of Development: From Birth to Adulthood

Dr. Maria Montessori identified what she called planes of development. Through careful study and observation, she discovered that human beings progress through a series of planes, or stages, each of which exhibit a particular pattern of growth. In each plane, the human person develops first through a series of progressions followed by a series of regressions. Each stage also has a pinnacle that indicates the time when the characteristics of each period are clearly exhibited in the child. Montessori compared this progress to a “series of rebirths” (Absorbent Mind, 17). She illustrated this concept by depicting a line of four triangles representing the specific ages of the phases. All the triangles together represent movement toward the finality of life.

Each plane lasts six years and represents specific sensitive periods of development. These are times of special learning opportunities. The red numbers at the top of the chart show the ages of transition between each plane. These ages are a time of major change for the children.

The stages from 0 to 6 and 12 to 18 years of age are the most dynamic periods of intellectual, social, personal, and physical growth. The stages from 6 to 12 and 18 to 24 years of age are times of slower and more even progress. These are the calmest periods of childhood.

The red lines represent the strengthening of the unique sensitivities of a given plane. The bottom row of numbers shows the ages where the sensitivities are at their strongest. These are periods of minor transition. The green lines represent the last stage of a plane of development. The sensitivities of the specific plane begin to weaken and disappear.

Sensitive periods offer special, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for development. They are unconscious directives that impel children to learn and develop in new ways. Each plane builds on the foundation developed in the previous plane. Successful development in one plane leads to successful development in the ones that follow.

Montessori education builds on the continuing self-construction of the child: daily, weekly, and yearly. Although Montessori environments are divided into multi-age classrooms, the prepared environments introduce an uninterrupted series of learning passages, a continuum. Below is a description of each plane of development and the corresponding Montessori prepared environment.