A baby who was originally well behaved and obedient suddenly became very rebellious and independent for a period of time, which indicates that the baby has entered a "sensitive period". The so-called "sensitive period" refers to the process during which children, driven by their inner vitality, concentrate on absorbing the characteristics of a certain thing in their environment and continuously repeat the practice during a certain period of time from 0 to 6 years old. Next, let's take a closer look at what happens during a child's sensitive period?
1. Space sensitive period
From the age of 2, children begin to enter a period of spatial sensitivity. Children explore space through the position of objects, the movement of objects, and the curved field of view. By exploring space through objects that are not in the field of view, they gain a sense of space, and by exploring space through objects that are not in the field of view, they gain a sense of space and form spatial concepts. These are all elements of space: intuitive position, external position, and the relationship between speed and time. This is the starting point of scientific logic. Elastic balls are the best thing for young children to explore space at the beginning. Although the actions of something are simple, they are very important.
2. Language sensitive period
When infants (0-6 years old) start to observe the mouth shape of adults speaking and produce mute speech sounds, they begin their language sensitivity period. Language ability affects a child's ability to express themselves, therefore, parents should frequently talk to their children, tell stories, or use "rhetorical questions" to strengthen their children's expression ability and lay a good foundation for future interpersonal relationships.
3. Sensitive period for recognizing symbols and writing symbols
Children aged 3.5-4.5 develop an interest in recognizing symbols and writing symbols (characters, pinyin, radicals). During this sensitive period for children, we particularly emphasize the use of physical teaching, which means using things that children know to recognize related words, such as food, toys, etc. Children like to make word cards to match with actual objects. This way, children can avoid memorizing words by rote. Only by allowing children to learn through the combination of physical objects and text can they truly integrate abstract symbols with real objects, and learning text will be meaningful. Similarly, children must touch symbols before writing them. Kindergarten children can basically master the writing of symbols before graduation.
4. Reading sensitive period
Although children aged 4.5-5.5 may develop writing and reading abilities later, if they receive sufficient learning during sensitive periods such as language, sensory perception, and body movements, their writing and reading abilities will naturally emerge. At this time, parents can choose more reading materials and create a home environment filled with the fragrance of books, so that children can develop good habits of loving reading.
5. Sensitive period of order
Children aged 0-3 need an orderly environment to help them understand things and become familiar with their surroundings. Once the familiar environment disappears, it will leave him at a loss. The order sensitivity of young children is often manifested in their demands for orderliness, lifestyle habits, and possessions. If adults fail to provide an orderly environment, children will "lack a foundation to establish their perception of various relationships". As children gradually establish internal order from their environment, their intelligence is also gradually constructed.
