Language

A collage of photos from the story

“All the Little Princesses” Story

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The children in Casa East have been collaborating on a story which they entitled, “All The Little Princesses”. We began to spin a tale during lunchtime as we ate. We would go around the table and each friend would add new pieces to the story. The children made up the plot, included each friend and teacher, and added details that still make us laugh! Who wouldn’t want a horse named Onkie? We hope you enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed writing it! (Please click for the full story!)

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A collage of infants signing 'more', 'milk', 'please', 'all done'

Sign Language

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Sign language is incorporated into daily interactions in the Under 2 community. We use sign language while we work on activities, share meals, play, and throughout the day. Sign language helps the children express their needs, wants, and feelings, and allows a whole new world of communication. Infants who understand and infants who are understood are happy infants! (Please click for more information and full photos.)

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Children looking at books

Language Through Books

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The books within our classroom are filled with familiar sights, such as animals, families, vehicles, and food. The children often place a finger on an image and name what they see. When reading together, the teachers will engage in conversation with the children, helping them to learn new words or phrases. (Please click for more information and full photos.)

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A collage of a child with language materials

Language Development

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When teaching children about letters using the Montessori method, our focus is on the sounds the letters make rather than their names.
The Montessori Sandpaper Letters, First Sounds activity, and building words through the Pink, Blue, and Green boxes help children with letter recognition, pronunciation, printing, and early stages of reading. (Please click for more detailed information.)

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sign language puzzle

Sign Language

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Sign language has always been an integral part of Montessori philosophy/education. Sign language allows for greater communication, deaf culture awareness and creates strong neurological pathways in the brain (memory, literacy and problem solving).

Please click ‘view’ for more details and photos.

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Casa child with journal activity

Journal Writing

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After extensive work in the Language area, the children move on to journal writing. Children are encouraged to write about experiences they have had or anything else that inspires them to write and create!  After building the sentences, the child prints them in their Journal Book and draws an accompanying picture.

Please click for more details and photos.

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Kinsi

Sign Language With Kinsi!

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Let’s learn how to communicate in baby sign language with Kinsi! How many of these signs can you remember? Please click to watch the video!

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Sam

American Sign Language With Sam!

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Let’s do some ASL with Sam! We often use these as the children are learning language in the Under 2 and Under 3 classroom to help them communicate. Can you do them? Please click to see the video!

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Collage of Whisper Box activity

Whisper Box With Melanie!

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Here is a fun activity you can make at home with your child to practice reading three to four letter phonetic words or what we call “pink” and “blue” scheme words. This helps to enhance a child’s reading skills and to practice lowering their voice in their environment. Please click for more information and full photos!

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