How to Organize Montessori Language Materials

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The language area in the primary Montessori classroom is extensive, and contains a variety of materials. Because of this, it can be difficult to find ways to organize and store everything. What is the complete sequence of Montessori language materials? How much shelving space do you need? Are there storage solutions that will help you accomplish the goal of maximizing the small space that you have? The following tips will help you find what will work best for you.

Sequence of Montessori Language Materials

• Enrichment of Vocabulary (3-part cards and other materials to increase a child’s vocabulary)
• Development of Writing Skills (Metal Insets, Sandpaper Letters, and the Moveable Alphabet)
• The “Total Reading” Scheme (phonetic objects, phonograms, puzzle words, and phonetic readers)
• Function of Words (Montessori grammar symbols defining the parts of speech)
• Reading Analysis (Sentence Analysis material)
• Word Study (singular/plural, prefixes, suffixes, compound words)

Shelving Requirements

You will likely need two shelves, each about 4 feet long, 12 inches deep, and 36 inches tall. This should give you three spaces in which to place the materials for each shelf. You can purchase shelving, or you can do it yourself using cinder blocks and pine shelving. If you are using the latter, the shelves should be a little longer to compensate for the size of the cinder blocks.

Storage Solutions

• Plastic storage drawers are a great tool to help you organize many different aspects of the language curriculum: 3-part cards, phonetic objects, phonogram cards, puzzle words, and word study material. Placing them either on top of the shelf or to the side, you will be able to access them easily. Labeling each drawer makes finding the material you need easier as well. They come in many different sizes: 12-drawer , 24-drawer , 44-drawer , and 64-drawer.
• These clear plastic boxes from Montessori Services stack on top of each other and can be used for 3-part cards and phonetic objects. Being able to stack multiple materials will save you on space. Montessori Services also has other options available for storage.
• A label maker is an essential tool so you can find the materials in these storage solutions more easily.

It is important to maximize the space in your language area. Using storage drawers and clear plastic boxes are solutions to help you reach this goal.  Following these tips will create a learning environment that ensures success for your children.