Montessori observed that the young child up to his/her 7th year has an absorbent mind and learns without effort taking information in like a sponge.  He/she is in the process of construction.  He/she does not reason consciously and one cannot use reason or language to convey concepts to a child under 6; he/she learns through observation, movement and exploration.  The child has certain sensitive periods and an inner developmental drive, which lead to the acquisition of many skills - such as language, refinement of the senses and social behaviour.

During the sensitive period, the child acquires skills without effort.  If it is missed, the child then has to learn it later with great effort.  The carefully prepared Montessori environment responds to the needs of the child at these stages and provides maximum opportunity for their development.  The child has certain needs and tendencies such as gregariousness, communication, independence, exploration and order.