Children’s language development begins long before they enter the classroom. Dr. Maria Montessori emphasized that from birth to age six, children experience the Absorbent Mind phase, during which they naturally acquire language by engaging with those around them. Montessori classrooms intentionally integrate both spoken and written language into the environment, providing rich opportunities to support and enhance this critical stage of linguistic development.
Within this environment, children actively engage in language learning through interaction and exploration. They enjoy expressing themselves in conversations with teachers and peers while developing a love for language through books, word games, and writing activities. This immersive experience not only strengthens their language skills but also nurtures their curiosity, confidence, and enthusiasm for communication.
Classified cards play a big role in a Montessori classroom. It is the first language material offered to the child. This material not only helps a young child enrich his/her language but also helps the child form a logical mind in categorisation. Eventually, these cards also assist the child in reading and knowing the spelling.
Reading goes beyond pointing the text to read out loud, it’s a calming and pleasant journey to know what a book is delivering through text and illustrations.
Working with the Sandpaper Letters, children learn how the sounds they hear are written. Montessori emphasized that writing comes first, then reading. Later, by blending these sounds, children begin to read phonetic words without laborious effort.
