A “sensitive period” is a developmental phase when a child is uniquely receptive to learning a specific skill or acquiring knowledge with remarkable ease. These periods occur naturally in children (and begin before birth!). If they miss the window to acquire a certain skill or ability, they can still make that acquisition later, but it will be more difficult. In other words, sensitive periods are ✨really✨ important. Stay tuned for part 2! (Hint: First grade is too late to teach kids how to read.