Understanding the Development of your Student By Colleen Noll Why the 3rd year is so important begins with “The Four Planes of Development” During each plane, students first work through an intense developmental phase of introduction and rapid growth followed by a consolidation phase in which those skills are strengthened before moving onto the next plane. The First Plane: Infancy (Ages 0-6) This is a stage of physical independence where students ask “What?” as they absorb information and adapt to the world around them. The Second Plane: Childhood (Ages 6-12) Students focus on “Why?” and “How?” as they gain a sense