The ability to use language for communication is an important human skill that requires the brain to comprehend an arrangement of sounds and symbols that have meaning.  In the American education system, traditionally children begin to read at around the age of 6; however, the Language program in the Montessori pre-school classroom is far more advanced. This is because the Montessori Method capitalizes on the sensitive period for sensorial development of language in young children. This means that for language, as with other skills, there is a window of opportunity which presents itself at which time the child is more receptive to learning because of his own interests and desires which are driven by his inner need to develop. During this sensitive period, a skill comes most easily to the child and it is expressed as naturally as the air he breathes.

            Dr. Montessori closely observed the children at the Casa de Bambini and noticed that after their senses were exposed to her uniquely designed sandpaper letters and the moveable alphabet, younger children began to read spontaneously. Therefore, the scaffold in the Montessori classroom for language competence follows the following sequence: acquisition of listening skills and a broad spoken vocabulary, the development of writing, pre-reading and finally reading.  Hence, unlike most traditional Language programs, Montessori children learn to write before they learn to read.

            Here is how it works. At a very young age, perhaps two and a half to three years of age, the children’s handwriting skills are developed through the use of metal insets, sandpaper letters, the sand tray, dry erase board and finally on paper. After these sensorial experiences with language are mastered, the child progresses to pre-reading with the moveable alphabet and word building. Next he is ready for the phonetic reading materials and begins simple reading. As he continues to the non-phonetic reading materials, he is able to read more complex words and is reading extraordinarily well. Language progression is not determined or limited by grade or age, but by interest and readiness to learn by the individual child.

• Sensitive period for writing

• Broad vocabulary

• Writing

• Pre-reading

• Reading

• Not age or grade determined

• Individual interest and readiness

• more advanced than traditional preschool

• Reading and writing is active and fun

• Explores books on their own

• Compare contrasting shapes, colors and sizes