The Montessori Sensitive Period

I recently observed one of our students repeatedly using scotch tape to tape numerous pieces of paper together. Continuing she cut even more pieces of paper apart; only to tape them back together. I was quickly reminded of Marie Montessori's observation of the Sensitive Period in a child. She said, "A sensitive period is a length of time - ranging from days to weeks to months - when a child's brain is urging him to focus like a laser on learning a particular skill, mastering a developmental milestone, or immersing himself in an experience."  Observing the child stay with the activity is a perfect example of why Montessori is so unique; it affords a child the opportunity to satisfy this calling. Also, I am grateful that in our school a child has this freedom.