Language, 4+
Dr. Montessori made the brilliant discovery that writing was a natural self-initiated process in children and that could be attained by providing the proper tools. However, writing could not guarantee reading, which is a more complex process.Therefore, following writing practice, children in the Montessori classroom can be offered different reading solutions. The Pink Language Series is a well-known and recognized method that has led children successfully through reading fluency. The key of the program is that it offers different means to practice C-V-C (consonant-vowel-consonant) words. Children comes to the Pink Series knowing the sounds of letters. With proper presentations, children can practice independently and progress in their reading journey.
In this post, I would like to share Alison’s Montessori Pink Language Series, which has been designed to suit professionals and parents alike. The Series comes with complete detailed guided instructions.
Step 1: Picture/Word matching
- Children are presented pairs of pictures and words to match using the same short vowel each time.
*For each step, children could always be offered extensions: using moveable alphabet, using sandpaper letters, writing on a chalkboard, making booklets, or writing on lined paper.
Step 2 – Words Booklets
Children are invited to read the Word Booklets. This time, the words aren’t written using color coding. Each booklet focuses on a short vowel. A final booklet offers a mix of all the short vowels.
Step 3 – Word Lists
Using Word Lists, children can unintentionally assess their progress through the program. Without the interruption of manipulating cards, children should be able to read words with more confidence.
Step 4 – Rhyming Cards
The Rhyming Cards work comes in sets of 3 blank cards representing 3 different short vowels. Children have a set of mixed vowel cards to sort. They place these cards on the respective blank cards, which contain a control picture to guide the children.
Step 5 – Vowel Substitution
Children are invited to use small cards, with a missing vowel in the middle, to create and read meaningful and nonsensical words. Children find this work to be very funny.
Step 6 – Command Cards
Children can be invited to play a game. A number of cards with action verbs are set facing down. An adult select a random card and performs it for the children to guess. Once the action is guessed, the card can be read together. Again, CVC action words are used for this work.
Step 7 – Picture/Phrase matching
This work is comprised of 3 sets of pictures/phrases to match. Children lay the pictures on the left side, and select a phrase from a pile of cards in front of them. Phrases are shorter than sentences. It is a good way to progress and build confidence in reading.
Step 8 – Picture/Sentence matching
Matching Pictures to Sentences is the same as matching Pictures to Phrases with added reading challenge. The words are still in CVC style.
Step 9 – Command Sentences
Command Sentences is played like Command Cards. 9 cards are placed facing down, an adult acts out the command, while children guess the action. The card is read once children have guessed correctly. This is the last work offered in the Pink Series.
What’s next?
The Pink Language Series is followed by the Blue Language Series, and the Green Language Series. The Blue Language Series is conducted in the same manner as the Pink Series. The Blue Language Series continue to use short vowels, while introducing blends of consonants (st-, sp-…) and diagraphs (oo, ou, ay…). Children should feel comfortable working independently towards more complex reading.
*Sight Words, also known as Puzzle Words, should be studied in parallel.
