Language Area
The Montessori classroom is designed so that all activities gear themselves naturally toward the development of the skills required for oral and written language, along with reading. Language development is also encouraged in the classroom through total freedom of conversation.
This section is intended for teachers who are Montessori trained and are familiar with how the Language Area is laid out. I am simply sharing ideas of the use of those materials in the classroom. Think of this as a guide or reminder of things already known. That said…
I made a phonetic reading program years ago during my internship. Children will progress through the program at their own pace.
Metal Insets
The metal inset materials are used simultaneously with the introduction of the sandpaper letters. They help to aid a child on his way to writing, designed in such a way, that contributes to the development of mechanical writing skills. As children carefully trace shapes, fine motor control is being developed. This work has many variations which continues to interest children of all ages as they begin to create patterns and designs.
Metal insets are taught in the order of frame only, frame and inset, 2 overlays, multiple overlays, and multiple insets.
Additional Writing Activities
Writing precedes reading. Writing is known to the child due to the fact he is expressing his own language to another person. In reading, a child must deal with an unknown thought of someone else which is a more complicated procedure. The mechanical skills needed for writing is the ability to use a writing instrument, development of lightness of touch, and keeping within a defined space for the purpose of writing. A variety of materials are available to children which encourage writing. Chalkboards are also used to encourage writing.
