sensitive period
Critical learning phase
A sensitive period is a window during development when an organism is especially receptive to certain experiences or learning.
In child development, sensitive periods describe phases when children are particularly primed to acquire specific skills—language, motor coordination, social attachment: Children have a sensitive period for language acquisition in early childhood.
Missing these windows doesn't prevent learning entirely but makes it harder.
The concept originated in embryology and was popularized in education by Maria Montessori.
- developmentalRelated to growth stages
- windowGlass-fitted wall opening
- learningGaining knowledge gradually
- imprintingRapid early learning attachment
- plasticityAbility to change shape
neural pathways · brain development · childhood · early childhood · receptive · growth · vulnerability · timing · brain · formative · teachable moment · milestone · acquisition · language · attachment · bonding · neurodevelopment · toddler
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