Language
The Montessori language program directly and indirectly prepares the child for the acquisition of verbal and non-verbal skills. The language program consists of verbal skills, visual perception, and small muscle coordination. A complete reading system is available to the children; through it they gain an understanding that separate sounds can be blended together to make meaningful words. Our children love to read and are quickly ready to expand their knowledge to include sight vocabulary and creative writing.
Although an unusually quiet place compared to other settings in which young children congregate, language pervades the Montessori classroom and crosses all curriculum areas. The very emphasis on silent demonstration tunes the child, by way of juxtaposition, to focus with acuteness on audible language. The young child is introduced to sounds, letters, and the names of things, while the older child may be beginning to read.
Sensorial and language materials overlap. Language materials are often tactile, taking advantage of the three- and four-year-olds' sensitivity to learning through touch. Writing often comes early to the Montessori child through the use of concrete materials, like the pre-cut letters of the Moveable Alphabet, which allow them to express their knowledge without needing precise control of a pencil. Language Materials include Sandpaper Letters, Language Objects for initial sounds practice, word and picture Matching Cards, a farm activity to develop vocabulary; and Early Reader books.
