There are so many great lessons in the language area!  We start with vocabulary enrichment. When a three year old child comes in the classroom environment he will get many lessons introducing new words through vocabulary cards and materials from around the room. Songs are sung that isolate beginning sounds and sound games are played. Sound games are when I will ask a child to get something that starts with the “s” sound and continue with other sounds.  

I also start with sandpaper letters early in the first year.  The child is asked to trace the letters as they say the sound.  They will learn three letters at a time per lesson.  I use the three period lessons with sand paper letters. This is where in the first period I identify the sound, in the second period, I ask the child to find specific sounds and in the third period, I ask the child to tell me what the sounds are.

Once a child knows a handful of sounds the lesson on the moveable alphabet is given.  I start out with phonetic words like “cat” or “mop” then move to longer words, phrases, sentences and stories. When a child is first starting the moveable alphabet I don’t always correct the spelling because I want the child feel successful when working with the material. Later when they have worked with the alphabet more I will start to point out the spelling of words that are misspelled.

Phonograms are also introduced when they are working with the moveable alphabet.  I explain phonograms as sounds that make a new sound when it’s put with another letter. The child will use the phonograms they have learned when they are making stories with the moveable alphabet.  

So, in the first year in the class vocabulary enrichment and sandpaper letters will be the focus.  Your child may also be using the moveable alphabet as well.  The great thing about the Montessori language material is that I can go at the child’s pace, as slow or fast as your child needs.  They get as much time as the need to master their lessons.

Sincerely,

Rachel