Language is the main tool for communication. Therefore, the way children learn to understand and use words has a significant influence on their social and cognitive development. In this regard, one of the methodologies that has proven to be most effective over the last few years is Montessori grammar, which provides children with a different way of understanding the structure of language.

When we think of grammar, we typically imagine endless lists of rules, conjugations and memorisation exercises. In contrast, the Montessori method completely transforms this vision, offering an approach that not only teaches grammar, but makes it understandable and fun through more concrete visual elements. As a result, children can approach language in an active way, enhancing their capacity for expression and comprehension from an early age.

Why is Montessori grammar important?

Understanding grammar is not only a matter of learning to write or speak correctly, but also a matter of learning to think. In the Montessori method, grammar aims to make children understand how language works from a structural point of view, helping them to develop a more logical and ordered way of thinking. In this way, children not only memorise the rules of language, but experience them, internalise them and apply them consciously.

But why is this so important in children’s development? Children learn to break down a sentence into fundamental parts, understanding the function of each word and thus enabling them to construct more complex and organised ideas.

When children understand grammar, they have the tools necessary to better articulate their thoughts which not only improves their communication skills, but also helps them to solve problems in a better way and to think critically. 

Furthermore, unlike traditional methods which impose a rigid sequence, Montessori allows each child to progress at their own pace, ensuring that they truly understand each concept before moving on to the next, thereby reducing frustration and increasing self-confidence.

Basics of Montessori grammar

Montessori grammar methodology is based on one key principle: children learn best when they have the opportunity to interact with the material. Instead of simply explaining abstract grammar rules, the Montessori method presents grammar visually and interactively, allowing children to ‘touch’ and ‘see’ the language in action. 

  • One of the principal foundations of this methodology is the use of grammatical symbols to represent the different parts of speech.  Each symbol has a specific shape and colour corresponding to a grammatical category (nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc). For example, the noun is represented by a large black triangle, while the verb, which denotes action, is represented by a red sphere. As children construct sentences, they use these symbols to visualise how different words interact with each other.
  • Montessori grammar also promotes self-discipline and independent learning. Children are guided, but they have the freedom to explore the material at their own pace, encouraging independence and the ability to self-regulate from an early age. Through exploring and experimenting, children gain a better understanding of concepts which ensures that their understanding lasts over time.

Symbols in Montessori grammar

Grammatical symbols are the cornerstone of the methodology, converting language into something concrete and manipulable. Each of them has a meaning that helps children to identify and understand the different parts of speech. For example:

  • Nouns: represented by a black triangle.  The noun is stable and solid, just as an object or a person is in reality.
  • Verbs: symbolised by a red sphere. The round shape evokes movement and dynamism, reflecting the action inherent in verbs.
  • Adjectives: represented by a light blue triangle smaller than that of the noun, indicating that the adjective is subordinate to the noun and describes it.
  • Prepositions: represented by a green semicircle, a shape that suggests a connection or bridge between other words.

In this way, children can ‘build’ sentences in a logical and visual way, aiding their understanding of the relationships between words. By moving the shapes around and trying different combinations, students develop a more intuitive understanding of grammatical structure and the rules that govern language.

Imagine that a child is learning simple sentence structure. Using Montessori symbols, they could represent the sentence ‘The dog runs fast’ in the following way:

  1. A black triangle would be used to represent ‘dog’ (noun).
  2. Then a red sphere for ‘runs’ (verb).
  3. Finally, a blue triangle for ‘fast’ (adjective).

In this way, the child is not only writing the sentence, but also visualising how each word plays a role within the structure.

What other materials are there besides grammatical figures and symbols?

Although Montessori grammatical symbols and figures are a fundamental pillar of this methodology, there are other materials that complement this learning. 

  • One of the most notable resources is the mobile alphabet which allows children to form words and phrases freely, thus reinforcing their grammatical understanding.
  • There are also grammatical classification cards which are cards with words or phrases that children must classify according to their grammatical function. This encourages analysis and understanding of how each word contributes to the overall meaning of the sentence.
  • Additionally, there are a number of games and activities that can be used to reinforce grammatical concepts, such as grammar stories, where children are presented with a short story and have to identify and mark the different parts of speech using the corresponding symbols.

Conclusion

In summary, Montessori grammar is a highly effective methodology for language learning, enabling students to develop a foundation in linguistic, cognitive and critical thinking skills. 

Through its visual symbols and manipulative methodology, children learn the rules of grammar and, at the same time, internalise them in order to apply them in their daily lives. Always respecting the individual pace of each child, it encourages their independence and their love of learning.