Language

Course of Study

Lower School (Primary)

Elementary School

Much of the important development needed for success in language is cultivated with materials found in the practical life and sensorial areas as well as through continued open verbal communication throughout the classroom. The Montessori classroom emphasizes that spoken language is the basis of all linguistic expression. In the language area, materials are found that are more easily identified as being language specific and continue the cultivation of the hand-brain connection. As the child becomes comfortable in the environment, she begins to use her oral language skills to acquire writing and eventually reading. The children are introduced to letters made from sandpaper. As they trace each letter with their fingers they hear the phonetic sound identified with it thus gaining both a tactile and auditory experience associated with each letter. When the children are able to relate the sounds of letters to their written form, they begin working with the "movable alphabet" to create their own words. This work, which is a form of written expression, precedes the decoding and reading of sight words when they are ready. The love of reading is encouraged through exposure to literature in many forms. Throughout the classroom, vocabulary enrichment is encouraged as activities are named and labeled. Because children of this age are in a period of heightened sensitivity to language, they are exposed to extensive and accurate terminology. The writing process is enhanced not only through the sandpaper letters but also through the use of metal drawing frames that have geometric cutouts. They aid the children in the development of good pencil grip and control of movements by encouraging a light touch and precise movements. Creative writing is encouraged when the children begin expressing their own ideas. The correctness of spelling is not emphasized at this beginning level, since it is important that the children feel free to express their own ideas. As their skills develop, and the children mature, the emphasis on editing is incorporated.  

The language program of the Lower Elementary is based upon a whole language approach that also utilizes phonetic instruction. Students develop their reading skills through emphasis on decoding skills, literal and inferential comprehension, and especially the reading related to the various curricular areas. In addition, students follow a reading series that is designed to be used either individually or in groups to support continued literacy advancement and accurate assessment of skill Reading discussion groups are also used, depending on the child’s skill level. The handwriting program includes cursive instruction, as well as calligraphy and manuscript. Spelling also becomes an integral part of the child’s reading and writing skills at this level. Spelling lists are handed out from which they are tested on a weekly basis, in addition to regular editing of their written work for spelling, grammar, etc. Through this program, specific periods of time are devoted to the writing process and students are encouraged to complete the cycle of creating, editing and publishing their work. Though the Elementary student’s sensitivity to language development is not as intense as in the Primary years, the interest in language has shifted to a curiosity with the structure and history of language. Grammar materials support the students in working with the parts of speech and analyzing sentence parts to determine their function. The mechanics of language are also introduced through introductory lessons in punctuation and capitalization. In the Upper Elementary a significant portion of the reading is contained in the various curricular areas. The reading of novels for the purpose of discussion and analysis is incorporated, and current event publications including local newspapers and other periodicals also become integrated into the curriculum. Students create stories and poetry and are introduced to expository writing. Research reports and the strategies necessary for conducting research become components tying the language curriculum to other areas of the classroom. The use of cursive writing becomes the handwriting emphasis throughout the Elementary division. Grammar studies focus on more intricate structural analysis of sentences with manipulative materials. Parts of speech are also looked at in more detail. Comparative sentence analysis and structural work increases with the overall language skills of the student.