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- November 13th, 2009
Maria Montessori began her career as an educator of special needs children. During this time, she developed a methodology for making breakthroughs with these children based on direct observation and her own experiences with them. She intuited that if her approach worked with special needs children, then it should logically work for children in the mainstream, as well.
The first plane in development occurs from birth to age six. During this time, children are sensorial explorers. They will often find themselves absorbed with one characteristic in their environment to the exclusion of all others.
The second plan occurs from age six to age twelve. These children begin to explore the world in abstract concepts rather than depending solely on concrete materials.
The third plan occurs from age twelve to age eighteen. Children this age seek to understand the world and their place in it.
The fourth plan occurs from age eighteen to age twenty-four. As young adults, individuals seek to understand how to contribute fully to their society.
This concept of punctuated development is not unique to Montessori and is prevalent in the fields of education and childhood psychology. I have found that my understanding of the human experience has grown immensely with some exploration of the Montessori philosophy. The most important realization I have had is this: actualizing our understanding of how we want to contribute fully to society is pretty much the journey of the rest of our lives.
As a leader at work, I serve as a temporary guide for the people who choose to invite me on their journey. I prioritize this trust above all other things. Outside of the workplace,this responsibility also holds true for each of us as human beings. Our journeys are entertwined with the journeys of countless other beings throughout our lifetimes. The relationships we develop are built on trust, and this trust opens the door to authentic intimacy. Being entrusted by others to participate in helping them fulfill their life’s purpose is one of the greatest gifts we can receive. Never take it for granted. More importantly, do everything in your power to honor that gift. Act on every opportunity you are given. It will enrich your life as surely as it enriches the lives of others.
Illuminate Possibilities 