Maria Montessori’s Planes of Development: Stages, Skills, and Parenting Tips

Big thinkers have been trying to crack the code of childhood development for ages. Turns out, kids don’t just grow taller - they go through different stages of learning, thinking, and feeling.

Jean Piaget, a Swiss psychologist, mapped out four stages of cognitive development, showing how kids' brains level up as they age. Erik Erikson took a different route, breaking life into eight emotional and social challenges.

Maria Montessori took inspiration from both but added her own twist. After closely observing children, she came up with the Four Planes of Development.

In short, that’s a framework that highlights how education should go hand-in-hand with kids. Unlike other theories, her approach connects the dots between learning, emotions, and real-world experiences.

Maria Montessori didn’t see childhood as a straight path from baby to adult. Instead, she saw it as a journey through four big stages. Think of it like leveling up in a game - each stage builds on the last, but the rules keep changing.

Each stage of childhood comes with its own quirks, learning styles, and, let’s be honest - unique parenting challenges. By understanding these stages, parents and educators can give kids the right kind of support at the right time.

To be fair, this fuels their curiosity, guides their growth, and makes sure they reach their full potential (without too many tantrums along the way).

So, we already said that there are four planes of development, but what’s the deal with them? And what happens in each stage?

Let’s find out.

Welcome to the baby-toddler-little kid phase - where curiosity is endless, energy is boundless, and silence usually means trouble. Montessori called this the “absorbent mind” stage because kids here soak up everything around them like tiny, walking sponges (yes, including that word you didn’t mean to say).

From birth to age 6 - aka, the years of constant movement, messy hands, and learning at lightning speed.

Talking, walking, figuring out how things work, making friends, and slowly mastering the art of independence.

Kids in this stage are extra sensitive to order, language, movement, and sensory experiences (which explains why they demand the same bedtime story every single night).

Create a safe, engaging space, encourage movement, introduce lots of language, and let them explore the world on their own terms. You can also practice mindfulness and Montessori for the best results.

Touching everything, running everywhere, asking “Why?” on repeat, and watching you like a hawk.

Big emotions, separation anxiety, and the occasional meltdown because their socks “feel weird.”

Welcome to the “why?” stage - where kids trade in their sponge-like brains for logic, reasoning, and an unstoppable curiosity about everything. This is when they start connecting the dots, questioning the rules, and testing their independence (and your patience).

Ages 6 to 12 - also known as the golden years of boundless curiosity, endless questions, and a growing need for independence. It’s a good idea to study the science behind Montessori toys for this one.

Thinking critically, understanding right from wrong, making (and keeping) friends, problem-solving, and refining their physical coordination.

Kids in this stage are extra tuned in to morality, social relationships, creativity, and the joy of discovering how things work (which might lead to some questionable “science experiments” at home).

Encourage exploration, problem-solving, and big-picture thinking. Support their social and emotional development while letting their creativity and imagination run wild.

Learning new things, making friends, figuring out how the world works, and maybe starting their first collection (rocks, stickers, random shiny objects - you name it).

Peer pressure, school stress, and the struggle of figuring out who they are - all while trying to fit in.

Adolescence - oh boy, that’s when it feels like they suddenly know everything and have an opinion on everything, especially about your rules, right?

It’s like they go from being your sweet little kid to someone you barely recognize, all in the blink of an eye. Physically, emotionally, socially - they’re changing so fast.

Montessori called this stage the “social reformer” because teens are all about finding their purpose, pushing boundaries, and making sure everyone knows they want to do things their way. It’s like they’re figuring out who they are - and, well, sometimes, it feels like they're doing it right in front of you.

Ages 12 to 18 - think of it as the rollercoaster ride from childhood to adulthood, full of ups, downs, and loop-de-loops.

Abstract thinking (hello, deep philosophical conversations), building a personal identity, forming moral beliefs, enhancing social skills, and finally figuring out how to adult (kind of).

Teens are hypersensitive to social justice, relationships with their peers, figuring out who they are, and grappling with big ideas. Spoiler: this means they’ll argue with you over just about everything.

This is a time for self-discovery, critical thinking, and deep conversations. Support their social and emotional growth while encouraging them to take responsibility for their actions and make a positive impact.

Finding their place in the world, figuring out their identity, forming strong friendships (or maybe some rebellious cliques), and questioning the system.

Identity crises, peer pressure, academic stress, and, of course, the emotional rollercoaster that comes with being a teenager.

Ah, adulthood - where the world suddenly expects you to have it all figured out. No pressure, right?

This stage is all about finding your place in the world, building those real, meaningful relationships, and figuring out how to contribute in a way that matters. It's not just about "growing up" it's about continuing to grow into yourself.

Ages 18 to 24 - basically, the first few years of “adulting,” where you’re still trying to get the hang of it all.

Independence (finally!), critical thinking, problem-solving, social skills, and a deeper sense of purpose. You’re figuring out how to balance life, work, and maybe even figuring out why your parents were always so right about everything.

You’re suddenly super sensitive to things like love and intimacy, fairness (especially when you’re stuck doing all the chores), truth, knowledge, and the aesthetics of your latest self-expression project (think: your new apartment or tattoo).

This is the time for figuring out your purpose, continuing your education (whether that’s a formal degree or just learning what adulting really means), and finding ways to make your mark on the world.

Chasing your passions, building real relationships, and finding ways to make a difference, even if it’s just starting with figuring out how to cook a decent meal without burning it.

The transition from “teenager” to “adult” is harder than it sounds - finding purpose, dealing with responsibility, and trying to keep everything in control. It’s a lot of trial and error, but hey, it’s all part of the ride.

These stages of development matter because understanding them is like having a roadmap for how to support your child at every twist and turn. Knowing what to expect helps parents and educators create the best environments for kids to thrive.

For example, during infancy, it’s all about creating a safe space where they can explore and move freely (because, let’s be honest, they’re going to get into everything).

As they hit childhood, the goal shifts to giving them opportunities to discover on their own, with materials that encourage independence and curiosity.

Parents, you're the backbone when it comes to helping your kids through each stage of development. It's all about creating a safe space, guiding them, and helping them build the skills they’ll need down the road.

In those early years, the main thing is building trust. If you respond to their needs and offer a mix of physical and emotional support, they’ll feel safe and secure. At this stage, it’s a good idea to practice fine motor skills with your child, as this is essential for future progress. 

As they get older, it’s time to let them explore more on their own. Set up an environment where they have lots of ways to engage, discover, and become more independent. It’s like giving them the freedom to figure things out, but with a bit of guidance.

The teenage years are a bit of a whirlwind, right? They’re trying to figure out who they are and what they want. Be there for them - guide them, but also give them space to explore and make their own choices.

As they transition into adulthood, you’re still in the mix, but in a different way. It’s all about supporting their independence, encouraging them to chase their goals, and letting them grow into their own person.