-
Language
-
The main purpose of language is communication followed by writing and reading. Again Maria Montessori said “language lies at the root of the information of the environment that we call civilization.” She also said “power of thinking is not enough if one can not express it with language.” The spoken words have a magical power to the listener based on the way it is conveyed. It is always evolving and never static. Initially, babies learn language unconsciously and effortlessly. Effort starts when children learn consciously. It is a long and complex process from absorbing sounds of the alphabets to reaching the speaking level. In our classroom, formal introduction to the alphabet begins with the sound of alphabets based on simple to complex order with three period lessons: introduction, recognition, and recollection. The child will be introduced to lower case cursive letters initially. Again the process of reading and writing starts through various indirect and direct approaches/activities that follow steps in order which involves reading stories, poems, reading pictures, singing songs, show and tell, coloring, cutting, tracing and many more. Children are exposed to making simple words and write with a movable alphabet and have yet to write with pencil. They simply hear the sounds, blend, and put the movable letters together. An initial writing effort is more important than correct spelling. We insist on the flow and thoughts of writing. Here we act as a facilitator in learning and not an obstructer. Maria Montessori said “language development runs parallel with all other activities in the classroom.”
-
- Learning the alphabet
- Matching first sound with objects
- parts of speech/language
- Blending sounds