Sight/puzzle words

What are puzzle words?

Puzzle words are words that cannot be sounded out, for example, the, go, are, she, he, where, I, here, etc.

This activity is presented in a three-period lesson to the child. The directress chooses three different puzzle words.

How is a three-period lesson done with the puzzle words in Montessori?

The directress begins by telling the child that he is going to learn puzzle words. She explains to him that puzzle words are words that cannot be sounded out, they just need to be remembered. The directress chooses three puzzle words that are commonly used, for example, I, and, the, he, she.

First period: the directress names each word one by one and asks the child to repeat the names after her. She isolates one by placing them aside each time.

Second period: the directress asks the child if he can show her different puzzle words she calls out for. She spends a lof of time in this period.

Third period: the directress asks the child if he can tell her the different puzzle words. She isolates each one again by placing the word.

The directress consolidates the lesson by telling the child what they had learnt.

When doing a three-period lesson with the puzzle words, the directress ensures to use three words that look and sound different. All of the puzzle words should be learnt in the same manner.

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.