The Absorbent Mind

1. Characteristics of the Absorbent Mind:

1.1. universal

1.2. temporary

1.3. tireless and effortless with great strength and vigor

1.4. unconscious

1.4.1. takes in the environment in totality, indiscriminately, and without prejudice

1.4.1.1. The Camera:captures everything with no focal point

1.4.1.2. The Sponge:soaks up everything

1.5. dynamic and vibrant

2. Definition: unique developmental and creative ability of the young child that allows them to incarnate their environment

3. Functions:

3.1. Self-Construction

3.1.1. build personality:the child takes the images around him and incarnates them into his being

3.1.1.1. intellect

3.1.1.2. body

3.1.1.3. social/emotional

3.2. Adaptation

3.2.1. blank slate so as to thrive in a wide variety of environments

4. Glossary of Terms:

4.1. Horme:the powerful, vital force, active from birth, driving the child’s efforts towards independence

4.2. Nebulae: the unformed potential of the infant

4.3. Mneme: the term refers to the memories that are built up over time, stored in the sub-conscious, based on our previous experiences

4.4. Engrams:the little traces of memories that remain

5. Phases:

5.1. Unconscious Creator (0-3 years-old):the child unknowingly, unconsciously acquires all of the basic abilities to function independently

5.1.1. unapproachable by the adult

5.1.2. sensory seeking activity that may make no sense to adults, their reasons are known only to the child

5.2. Conscious Worker (3-6 years-old):the child is guided by the developing powers of her conscious will, able to intentionally act on her environment to satisfy her curiosity about the world

5.2.1. Will develops, the ability to control impulses and choose activities

5.2.2. time to fix deficiencies from the first phase

5.2.3. crystallization of knowledge

6. Conclusion:recognizing and honoring that the Absorbent Mind enables a special kind of learning, we plainly see that our work is not “teaching” directly, but working with nature to lovingly guide the child.