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Montessori: Language and the Young Child

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Language learning Strategies for young children

Children easily acquire language skills from birth to the age of six. Maria Montessori called this the Sensitive Period for language. This makes it very important that children are surrounded by rich language from the time they are born, if not before! We don't need to sit down and have formal vocabulary and grammar lessons with our children. We teach language by modeling and by doing, always keeping in mind that even though the child may appear to be focused on something else, they are listening to everything we say. Not just what we say, but how we say it as well.

This lens will focus on things you can do during the first three years of life to help your child master their language.

The first two years

Russian Toddlers under Daycare at Nursery in Auto Plant While Their Mothers Work on an Assembly Line



There are many things we can do to facilitate language acquisition in very young children:
  • Use self-talk (I am going to pick you up. Now I am going to remove your socks.)
  • Use simple vocabulary.
  • Be consistent: If you call it a dog, then it should always be a dog, and not sometimes a doggie.
  • Let the child take the lead in conversations, even if it is just babbling.
  • Ask questions.
  • Respect the first words by not correcting them.
  • Read to your child. When they are very young they won't care if you read to them from the Wall Street Journal, just read aloud!
  • Always remember that conversation is a two way street. If you ask a question, pause and wait to see if your child responds before continuing your own speech.

Just For Fun

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After the second year

Primary Sand Talk



After the second year, a child's speaking ability really takes off. At this point we should:
  • Use less baby talk.
  • Respect their language: whatever they say is great! The only thing that slows language acquisition down is over correction.
  • Speak slowly and clearly
  • Use simple words and short sentences.
  • Use precise vocabulary: This is a red ball.
  • Give the child time to speak.
  • Never correct! Model speaking. If they say "wed ball" you could respond with "Yes, that is a red ball." Eventually, they will get it!

All this effort is not just about language learning, but using language to build mutually satisfying, respectful relationships with those in our lives.

For your inspiration:

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But my child isn't listening to me!

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photo by Chance Agrella



Well, sometimes a child isn't listening to you. Maybe it is by choice, or maybe it is because a child's brain doesn't reach adult processing speed until they are twelve thus making it challenging to hear what we are saying. If your child isn't responding to you, it is time to ask yourself some important questions: Am I interrupting their work? Am I physically at their eye level when I speak? What is my tone of voice? How loud is my voice? Am I speaking too quickly? Do I really need to say anything at all at this time? Do they just need more time to process my words?

Of course, you must also ask yourself "Am I truly listening when they speak to me?" If you listen without interrupting, correcting, inserting your own words and make eye contact, chances are that the child will know that you are listening to them and be more willing to listen to you in return.

I hear what you're saying:

How important is it that a parent listens to their child?

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Children should be seen and not heard!

Parents have a duty to listen to their children, of course!

Luvschweetheart says:

If you don't listen to your child, how can you expect your child to listen to you?

BarbRad says:

How can parents get to know their children if they don't listen to them. Conversations are a two-way street.

 

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My Dear Readers,

don't forget to share your thoughts before you go!

  • hlkljgk Apr 26, 2009 @ 8:30 pm | delete
    children are such amazing sponges!
  • Snozzle Apr 14, 2009 @ 9:52 am | delete
    Interesting information - those first years are so important. 5*
    Mike.
  • Sarunas Apr 13, 2009 @ 9:47 am | delete
    Cute lens : )
    Well Done. 5* from me.
    Keep it up :)
  • jmsp206 Apr 11, 2009 @ 2:37 am | delete
    Lovely lens on some lovely children
  • BarbRad Apr 7, 2009 @ 9:11 pm | delete
    This is important information for parents. Thanks for sharing it.
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Who is C-Joy?

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C-Joy

As an educator (licensed K-6, Montessori Primary certification: AMS, MACTE) and a parent, I am devoted to helping chidren learning how to become independent,... more »

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