The Absorbent Mind refers to a child’s mind during the ages of 0 to 6 years, and just like a sponge, the little ones are absorbing all the information that they are exposed to during these early years. There are two stages to the absorbent mind. The first stage, from 0 – 3 years old, is when the unconscious learning happens. Children are taking things exactly as they are, without any filter. They are unable to make decisions or choices for themselves. On the other hand, during 3 – 6 years of life or the conscious learning stage, children are able to choose what they want or don’t want to take in. This “special intelligence” is universal and timeless. It’s present in all children regardless of date, culture or place of birth. It’s incredible how effortlessly, tirelessly and instantaneously they take everything in. It’s also a self-constructive and a non-judgmental process. 

[The Absorbent Mind] which receives all, does not judge, does not refuse, does not react. It absorbs everything and incarnates it in the coming man. The child performs this work of incarnation to achieve equality with other men and to adapt himself to live with them.

Maria Montessori
The Absorbent Mind, p. 266

As a guide who has worked with many children, I have found to believe that kids are masters of imitation. They have the eye and the ear for it. They perk up at all kinds of sounds that sometimes even I can’t hear. I was able to capture very recently the works of a child’s absorbent mind taking things in. More specifically, I was watching the 2 year old walking next to her father. I was stunned when I noticed how they have the same swagger. Imitation can strengthen little ones’ individuality by the conscious and unconscious selections of what to copy. It allows them to become aware of their full potential by encouraging them to do things they’d have probably never thought of on their own. 

The role of the adult is crucial as they need to prepare the right environment for their child to continue to develop their fundamental human characteristics. It’s critical for adults to understand the child is taking in everything at once, holistically. In other words, the child is focusing on all of the qualities of what it means to be a human being, and so it’s essential that adults become good role models.  Adults should also actively and constantly prepare the human and physical environment for their child. Removing obstacles and making necessary changes along the way are also part of this preparation. Taking these measures will assure that the little ones will have everything they need to develop their fundamental human characteristics and consequently, employ their little absorbent minds to the fullest extent.