Kindergarten Language Arts

Language-Children in a Montessori classroom are immersed in oral language development, written expression, reading, the study of grammar, and creative dramatics. The language materials include objects and pictures to be named, matched, labeled and classified to aid vocabulary development. Textured letters allow the child to feel and see the alphabet. Phonics and the movable alphabet lead each child toward reading in a multi-sensory way.

Reading-The development of the concept that written words are actual thoughts set down on paper takes children much longer than most adults realize. Early exercises to practice reading and to gain the concept of a noun: labeling objects with written name tags, mastering increasingly complex words naming things that interest them, such as dinosaurs, the parts of a flower, geometric shapes, the materials in the classroom, etc. Learning to recognize verbs: normally exercises in which the child reads a card with a verbal "command" printed out (such as run, sit, walk, etc.) and demonstrates his understanding by acting it out. As the child's reading vocabulary increases, verbal commands involve full sentences and multiple steps: "Place the mat on the table and bring back a red pencil." Reading specially selected easy readers or prepared small books on topics that really interest the child, such as in science, geography, nature or history spur interest in the reading process.

Listening–So many of the classroom activities require sharp listening skills. The children must listen to one another in order to navigate the social community. Teachers use special games and chants during circle times to encourage careful listening as well as for story reading and comprehension questioning.

Handwriting-The movable alphabet is made up of easily manipulated sturdy letters that are used for the early stages of phonetic word creation, the analysis of words, and spelling. They facilitate early reading and writing tasks during the period when young children are unsure how to write. Even before the children are comfortable with handwriting; they spell words, compose sentences and stories, and work on punctuation and capitalization.

Spelling-Children begin to spell using the movable alphabet to sound out and spell words as they are first learning to read. Invented or kid writing is encouraged. The sequence of spelling, as with all language skills, begins much earlier than is traditional, when children are spontaneously interested in language. Children of all ages begin to sound out and spell simple phonetic words.