What is a Second Plane child?

Empowering parents, guides, and teachers to empower the next generation!

Do you know what is the Constructive Rhythm of Life? It is a stage-based method: a series of developmental stages that children should move through one after the other. She called it PLANES OF DEVELOPMENT.

The four planes are:

1. Infancy (0–6 years)
2. Childhood (6–12 years)
3. Adolescence (12–18 years)
4. Maturity (18–24 years)

She shared, “The most important period of life is not the age of university studies, but the first one, the period from birth to the age of six.”

After some years of being exposed to this method, I can say that she’s so right. Just like building your house, if the foundations are solid, then the building will stand and be easier to construct. The 1st plane (0–6 years) is the time to practice physical independence.

Let’s have Dr. Montessori’s life hack in facilitating Second Plane Children. At the age of 6, the child goes through changes: physical, interested in the whole universe, always asks why, and prefers the whole picture first before the details.

A second plane child is what we call the elementary years and mind you, I have seen the amazing things when their inner urge is being met by the intentional environment and the prepared adult. These children like to:

• use hands for their activity
• think in abstract form
• lose track of time when doing something and not yet tired

Other characteristics that these children have:

• Imaginative. They’re just full of this and can be creative. Whatever they see forms a part of their soul as being said. They just have this stage to think abstractly especially when they see the big picture and understand the connection!
• Moral Development. It’s when they are particular to justice, and seek to understand things. They like to discuss problem-solving while identifying what is acceptable in the community.
• Hero Worship. Oh, look into their eyes! They sparkle when they hear the names of the people they look up to. They actually enjoy listening to stories about people who contributed something to society. These include historical figures, athletes, and even uncles and aunts in the family!
• Social. They like to collaborate! The classroom tables, in fact, are designed for small groups. They can be sometimes into groups or want to be on their own but they like you best especially if you have the same interests!
• Stamina. They are just so full of energy! I tried joining all their activities in a day including sports and playing during lunch break and I thank myself for doing my best to survive. They are also less prone to illnesses than before.
• “Whys?”. The second plane student is no longer interested with only names: they like to explore and discuss information. They are curious and this curiosity is what makes them motivated to learn. They simply are capable of learning a great deal of mental work!

Now, real talk. How to channel what we know to these children’s environments?

You have the ability to spark the child’s interest by giving them access to these knowledge by unlearning, learning, and observing. You can also model to them that sense of love and wonder. Give them a safe space to fail, and that growth mindset. Give them the skills they need for this life-long learning. If we give the world to 1st plane children, we give the universe to 2nd plane children.