logo

Language and Literacy

From a very young age, language is encouraged by simply allowing children to talk to each other and to the teachers. Teachers always use the correct words for everything in the classroom, therefore increasing the child’s vocabulary. The broader the child’s vocabulary, the easier reading comprehension will be.

Dr. Montessori introduced the concept of kinesthetic memory, i.e. memories that brand themselves deep inside the mind, implanted through muscular movement. Therefore, activities such as tracing sand paper cut out letters, will help the child to absorb their shapes much easier than simply looking at them and trying to copy them. At Little Explorers this method is further enhanced through language games, songs, dialogues and discussions.

  • BILINGUAL EDUCATION

French is taught to all as a general subject. This is an optional language program where song games and stories are used on a daily basis to fortify the language. Daily phrases and weekly vocabulary words are used constantly in this case to build familiarity with the language. It cannot be guaranteed that all the children at LEMP will speak French as a second language; however a strong familiarity with the language can be established.

The Sand paper letters

  • The letters of the alphabet are cut out in the finest sandpaper (or the same effect gained commercially by another method) mounted on a strong background. The vowels are mounted on a pale blue card and the consonants on a pale pink background. The letters are mounted with sufficient space on either side to hold them steady. They can be used by either right-handed or left-handed children.
  • A simple cursive letter is used. The children learn to write simple cursive letters from the beginning. They write the letters separately at first. Later, when ready to join their letters, they can do so without difficulty. At the same time, as these are a simple cursive letter, the children will have no difficulty in recognizing the printed letters they will meet in books.
  • Through this activity the children  learn the sound and shape of the letters of the alphabet. To gain a muscular memory of the shape of the letters as a prelude to writing.

The Grammar preposition box

In Montessori the function and position of words in sentences are studied and analyzed. Box 5 is the study of the preposition.

Included are the printable cards for Grammar Box 5, 4 Filling Boxes and 1 Command Box using the traditional Elementary grammar colors. All printable cards are in color, except for the Command Cards.

  • Prepositions: space relations – 5 Sentence Strips & Word Cards
  • Prepositions: space relations – 5 Sentence Strips & Word Cards
  • Prepositions: possession, material, use, purpose – 5 Sentence Strips & Word Cards
  • Prepositions: direction, source of motion – 4 Sentence Strips & Word Cards 

14 Command Cards & color word cards to accompany them

Includes basic instructions on how to prepare and present these materials.

The Large Moveable letters

The large moveable letters cursive alphabets are housed in a wooden box with lid. Letters and box are made of wood. There are 10 pieces for each blue letter 5 pieces for each red letter.

The children use three letter word objects in a little pink box to build the words.

Sociability

Where there is freedom to interact, children learn to encourage and develop a sense of compassion and empathy for others. As children develop, they become more socially aware, preparing to work and play in groups. This social interaction is supported throughout the environment and is encouraged with the nature of multi-age classroom settings.This  community feel is called “Social Cohesion”.