The Second Plane Child

Three weeks ago I wrote in the newsletter about the Planes of Development that Maria Montessori identified across the developmental stages from birth to the age of 24.

Two weeks ago we explored in more detail the First Plane of Development, Birth to six. In the two weeks since we have had an information session on Transition to Cycle 2, and on Tuesday night next week we have another information night on History in 6-9, the beginning of the Second Plane. (Please come along!)

This week we will explore in a small amount of detail the Second Plane of Development, ages six to twelve.

All of our families in the Primary section of our school have a child in the Second Plane and should be recognising many of the characteristics that will be mentioned in this section. Hopefully the overview of the First Plane provided in weeks past has been helpful as it is the stepping stone to the Second Plane child.

The amazing development that has occurred in the first plane is now largely complete and the second plane should see the child generally calmer but with great energy.

Throughout the first plane the basic human skills of intelligence, coordinated movement, speech, personality and an understanding of their culture is developing.

The Second Plane child is no longer in the stage of the Absorbent Mind. The 6- 12 year old child learns through logic, reasoning, imagination and exploration in areas of interest and study. The thirst for knowledge is unquenchable and the child in the second plane wants to know the why, how and when of everything they come across. During the second plane they can also be introduced to fantasy and fairy tales as they love stories with a moral and especially where they need to use their imagination.

In terms of Sensitive Periods the child in the second plane is in the period of peer identity. They need to be accepted and fit in with their peer group and through this process they begin to distance themselves a little from the family. This distancing is not a reflection on the closeness of the relationship, however the value of peer relationships has shifted and there is now a need for the second plane child to ‘share their affection’ with those beyond the family.

The second strong Sensitive Period at this stage is for morals and ethics. There is a strong desire for justice, fairness and rule keeping. Your second plane child will benefit from being involved in the rule making at home and school.

We love the energy, enthusiasm and thirst for knowledge that we find in our 6-12 classes, and it is a pleasure working with your children across the school. If you need to know more about how your child is going, please feel free to speak to your child’s teacher.

Adam Scotney
Principal