Phonogram box
What is a Phonogram box?
A phonogram box is a box in the Language area of a Montessori classroom. There are six phonogram picture cards and six phonogram matching word cards inside the box. The picture and word cards are printed on green cardboard. The phonogram, e.g. ‘ee’ is highlighted in red on the lid of the box as well as on each word card.
How is the Phonogram box presented?
This is yet another wonderful reading activity for the child in a Montessori classroom. This activity is similar to the pink and blue word box. The difference with the green box is there are phonograms.
The directress begins by introducing the phonogram box to the child, for example, ‘ee’. She reminds the child that are two e’s together we make the sound ‘ee’ she asks the child to repeat the sound ‘ee’.
She then lays out the pictures from left to right on the top of the mat and discusses each one. She then brings one word card forward and asks the child to sound out, blend, and read the word, either the directress or the child uses their finger as a guide. The directress assists the child if necessary.
The child is encouraged to place the word card below the corresponding picture on the mat, and continue in the same manner with the remaining word cards. The directress congratulates him once has matched all the word cards to the pictures correctly and helps him pack away.
The directress begins with easier phonograms, for example, th, ch, ee, sh, and then moves onto more difficult ones. The child is encouraged to work through the rest of the phonogram boxes independently, but he should ask the directress what the sound is beforehand.
Phonogram box
What the child learns from the phonogram box in Montessori
This activity develops the child’s matching skills, it increases his vocabulary, gives him practice in reading words that have phonograms, as well as he learns different phonograms.
Looking for more Montessori activities?
Here is a list of all the Montessori Language activities. These include Early Language, Pink Language Materials, Green Language Materials, Later Language, and Grammar. Just click on the page you want to learn about to go there.