Early language in Montessori

The Montessori Early language activities are the start of language development for the child in a Montessori classroom. The various ‘early language’ Montessori exercises are listed below:

Classified cards/pictures (presentation one)

In the first activity using the Montessori Classified cards, the directress introduces one set of pictures to the child to discuss. The directress ensures to engage with the child as much as possible during this activity.

Classified cards/pictures (presentation two)

The second presentation using the classified cards is similar to the one mentioned above. This one differs as the directress will now introduce two sets of different groups of cards to the child. The directress encourages the child to sort the pictures in the correct theme groups, whilst discussing each one.

“I spy” game Stage one

“I spy” is a famous game known throughout the world. In Montessori, we play this game with our children in the early stage of language development. The “I spy” game promotes interaction and can lead to deeper teacher-guided conversation, as well as increases the child’s vocabulary.

Metal insets (presentation one)

Metal insets are one of the many beautiful materials in the language area of a Montessori classroom. The directress shows the child how to trace the shape of the inset’s frame, using the correct pencil grip, then drawing horizontal lines inside the shape.

Sandpaper letters

Here the child uses his sense of touch to feel and learn the letters of the alphabet. The Montessori Sandpaper letters are similar to the Sandpaper numbers. The directress teaches the child how to trace the letters in the correct formation, as well as teaches him the names of each letter.

The writing sequence

In the first stage of the writing sequence, the directress teaches the child how to trace a letter of the alphabet in either maize meal, rice, or flour in the correct letter formation. She first demonstrates to the child by tracing a letter from the sandpaper letterbox.

Large movable alphabet: orientation exercise

The directress uses the Montessori Large movable alphabet in this exercise to familiarise the child with letters. In this activity, the directress calls out certain letters for the child to find. It is a great way for the directress to see where exactly the child is at, and how much he understands.