What is the absorbent mind

The Absorbent Mind

The Absorbent Mind—Montessori distinguished between periods of growth, where the intelligence is directed inwardly in an act of self-construction; and periods of development, where the intelligence is directed outwardly toward increasing knowledge, information, and experience in the world. The period from ages 3-6 is a period of growth. Montessori often compared the child’s mind to a sponge, which "absorbs" everything in its surroundings.


Major Points

1. Reject the mind-body dichotomy.
2. Child should learn how to use his body along with his mind. This creates a child who is a producer. His hands are ready to execute what is his mind tells him.
3. Child should not be encouraged to imagine things which aren't real. It creates a disordered mind. Instead, the child should be taught to think creatively of things that actually exist. Focus child's attention on the outer world
4. Reject the dichotomy of artistic and scientific brains. Instead, great men had both mathematical and creative brains. This is the only way useful things to man come about.
5. A stimulating environment is the best way to create intelligence in the child. The teacher plays a hands off role
6. Development of child should be in accordance with his natural laws
7. Character building happens by developing the child's brain. The child becomes 'normalized' and attains an ideal character "on swift feet," not a character which needs guilt and fear to operate, "on crutches."