The unique ability of young children within the first plane of development, from birth to age six, to effortlessly and unconsciously absorb and internalize information from their environment. The absorbent mind, which is a universal and temporary state, allows children to adapt to their culture and form their character based on the conditions and experiences they encounter. The child absorbs impressions effortlessly and without fatigue, taking in the totality of impressions similar to a camera.

Montessori, M. (2016). Education for a new world (pp. 10, 11, 13, 14, 16). Montessori-Pierson Publishing Company.  (Original work published 1946)

Montessori, M. (2018). The absorbent mind (pp. 3-5, 12, 20-23, 51-52, 54-56, 59, 63, 68, 70-72, 76, 88-91, 98, 100, 149, 154, 169, 236, 265). Montessori-Pierson Publishing Company. (Original work published 1949)

Montessori, M. (2017). The formation of man (pp. 37, 58, 61). Montessori-Pierson Publishing Company. (Original work published 1955)

Haines, A. (1993). Absorbent Mind Update: Research Sheds New Light on Montessori Theory. The NAMTA Quarterly, 18(2), 1-20.

Connection to/parallel with the third plane mind in regards to development. I.e., while a different part of the brain is switched, it is a similar process.