Language acquisition is not separate from all the other aspects of what a child sees, hears and does at the many Montessori schools in Chennai. The Montessori process in the classroom gives children opportunities to begin their English learning with sounds, not just letters and memorized words. This way, language can be supported in its natural progression and children will develop confidence as readers and writers – at their own pace.
Listening and Speaking First
In a Montessori environment, spoken language is the base of everything we do. Structuring conversations on a variety of topics, giving verbal directions for activities, reading stories, naming objects, singing songs and simply talking to children all expose them to a variety of vocabulary and sentence structures.
While children may be guided with care, they are gently led by example, not with harsh corrections. Strong listening and speaking boost their abilities as they move through their journeys.
Sound Awareness Through Play
Even before children name letters, they are isolating sounds through phonemic games. For instance, a child may be asked to identify the initial sound in the word “bat,” or the last sound in the word “sun.” These activities develop an ear for language, and develop an awareness of phonology that will be important for later spelling and decoding of words.
Some of the materials typically used in a Montessori class on isolating sounds include sound baskets, rhyming games, and simple “I spy” games using beginning sounds.
Touch, See, Say: Sandpaper Letters
One of the most powerful Montessori materials are Sandpaper Letters, as they expose children to letters- one at a time- by tracing the letters and saying the sounds. Each time the child traces a letter, they are linking the symbol, the motion, and the sound all at the same moment.
This multi-sensory learning enables children to not only remember what letters look like- but also remember what they sound like and the motion of writing them.
Movable Alphabet: Writing with Confidence
Before writing with pencils, children build words with the Movable Alphabet. They combine their sound knowledge to create words like, “mat,” or “fish,” often writing them phonetically.
With the guidance of a trained Montessori teacher, children begin to freely express their ideas, even if the spelling isn’t yet accurate.
Reading Comes Naturally
Writing typically precedes fluent reading. Kids notice familiar words they’ve written, and slowly read simple phonetic books. Because each stage is grounded in purpose, kids begin to read, with understanding, not just by memory.
The Montessori language process from sounds to sentences is developmentally appropriate, exciting and personalized to the developmental stage of each child. The children not only learn skills about language and vocabulary that will last a lifetime, but they also develop a love for language.
For families looking for an infant and toddler-friendly preschools in Velachery, The Montessori House provides a true English learning experience using engaging Montessori materials guided by passionate, certified teachers.