“Imagination is the great power of this age.” (From Childhood to Adolescence, p 37).

When children enter the Elementary years, around 5 ½ or 6 years old, it becomes clear that they are ready for a different kind of learning and a different kind of environment. Prior to this normal developmental shift, children absorb knowledge and understanding of the world through what Dr. Maria Montessori called the Absorbent Mind. As they move into this new stage of development (ages 6-12 years old), a remarkable transformation takes place. Their reasoning mind awakens, and their imagination becomes a powerful tool for learning.

Elementary-aged children can imagine things far beyond their direct experience. They have the ability to imagine the whole universe! They can picture ancient civilizations, distant galaxies, microscopic organisms, and people they have never met. This capacity to imagine what they cannot see is one of the defining characteristics of the Elementary child.

In Montessori Elementary classrooms, we intentionally nurture this gift. The Great Stories presented at the beginning of the school year introduce children to the grand narratives of the universe, the earth, life, human beings, language, and mathematics. These stories are designed not simply to convey information, but to spark the imagination of the children and inspire them to explore the world for themselves.

Dr. Maria Montessori described it this way:

“The secret of good teaching is to regard the child’s intelligence as a fertile field in which seeds may be sown, to grow under the heat of flaming imagination. Our aim therefore is not merely to make the child understand, and still less to force him to memorize, but so to touch his imagination as to enthuse them to their inmost core.” -To Educate the Human Potential, p 11

Imagination is much more than daydreaming. It is the foundation of innovation, creativity, and problem-solving. Every invention, scientific breakthrough, work of art, and technological advancement began as an idea in someone’s imagination.

In 1968, George Land conducted a study at NASA. This study assessed divergent thinking in NASA engineers, and then with 1,600 children, for their “creative genius potential.” They found that 98% of 5 year olds scored at genius level, and by age 10 that percentage had gone down to 30%, at 15 years old, 12%. By the time those children reached adulthood, only 2% scored at creative genius levels. This study focused on the ability to think “outside the box’ and find many solutions to one problem.

While the exact findings of the study have been debated over the years, the broader message remains compelling: imagination thrives when children are given opportunities to fail boldly, to try out wild ideas, and to think for themselves. Adults must become curious alongside their children and ask questions instead of handing out answers. Next time your elementary-aged child comes to you asking a question, ask them, “what do you think?”

Written by Paige Garmendia, Alder Upper Elementary Classroom Guide

Sources:

Montessori, Maria, From Childhood to Adolescence. Schocken Books, New York, 1973.

Montessori, Maria, To Educate the Human Potential, Kalakshetra Press, Madras, India, 1973.

ReadySetParent, “Parenting Support: Tips & Advice: Child Development on Instagram.” Instagram, 17 Aug. 2025, www.instagram.com/p/DNdKaFSRuFe/?igsh=dGt3aGtzeWRnMmFl.