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Understanding the Language Environment Series: Part 1June 12, 2008 by Miss Norma | No comments

Language is an empowering skill that children in the Montessori setting explore in a non-restrictive manner. The role of the directress is pivotal and she can induce the child to reach high levels of verbal and written expression. “In every exercise when the child has recognized the differences between the qualities of the objects, the teacher fixes the idea of this quality with a word” (Montessori, 1914, pg 124).

Language is spread through out the Montessori classroom. It is used in Sensorial, Practical Life and Math lessons. When working with the Sensorial equipment the child learns language related to the senses and the environment. Practical Life gives the child the ability to use language throughout the work cycle; the children get to communicate conversationally with their friends about their daily experiences. The Math environment gives the child the opportunity to learn the mathematical terms. The children learn the names of the numbers and mathematical symbols. Language is spread through out the classroom and the world. Language gives the child the opportunity to express his thoughts and feelings in a non-physical way.

The Sensitive Periods in development are periods of special sensitivity related to certain elements in the environment. Sensitive Periods are transitory- after the child has acquired certain functions or determined characteristics, that particular sensitive period gives way to another different one. Sensitivities appear as an irresistible impulse and urge the child to select only certain elements in his environment for definite and limited time. The sensitive period for language is the longest because we are never finished learning new vocabulary. The Sensitive Period for language starts at about the age of four months with the baby intently watching the mouth, at six months or so he begins to make real sounds. The small child is very interested in learning more and more words. The sensitive period for order begins at about the first year and is manifest until the third year. Related to the sensitive period of order is the interest for small things and details which begins at about two years old. The sensitive period for social graces is from two and a half to six years of age. The Language environment provides the child the chance to fulfill these Sensitive Periods through most of its activities. For example, the small objects used for the Secret Boxes and other activities fulfill the interest for small things. The sensitivity for language is satisfied through all of the Language activities because in all of the language activities the child has an opportunity to listen and say different words. The Social Graces are taught through the use of language: the child learns to be polite and communicate through verbal expression.