Maria Montessori's pedagogical method relies on the notion that a child develops their intelligence through the senses and passes through "periods of sensitivity," during which they channels all their energy to discover and learn a skill. The "sensitive" period for writing and reading begins shortly before their three-year age and continues until their sixth year.
One of the most important pioneers in the area of child development, Maria Montessori opened the first Children's House in Rome in 1907. Today, there is a network of Montessori schools around the world.