The Montessori Language Curriculum for Ages 6–12: A Practical Guide

The Montessori language curriculum for children aged 6–12 is broad, rich and deeply connected to the child’s developing imagination, reasoning and desire to understand how language works. As a Montessori-trained teacher, New Zealand registered teacher and founder of a Montessori primary school, I have seen how language in the elementary years becomes much more than learning to read and write. Children explore grammar, spelling, vocabulary, literature, research, oral language and written expression, often making connections across the wider Montessori curriculum. In this article, I will give you an overview of how the Montessori language curriculum can look in the elementary years and how these different areas fit together in a real classroom.

Between the ages of 6 and 12, children’s language develops rapidly. Their vocabulary expands, their writing becomes more complex and they become increasingly interested in how language works and how it can be used to communicate ideas.

In the Montessori elementary classroom, language is not taught as an isolated subject. It is woven through history, science, geography, literature and research. Children are given opportunities to explore language explicitly through grammar, spelling, reading and writing, while also using these skills meaningfully across the wider curriculum.

The Montessori language curriculum programme is designed to help children enhance their vocabulary and explore language in new and interesting ways. This primary school education programme will adopt a research based learning style. Learning often takes place through activities that encourage children to develop their intellect but also their imagination. Lessons delivered by a trained teacher in Montessori practices will guide children towards activities that help them fine tune their reasoning abilities. In addition, it will also guide them in the development of language skills in many different areas.

When children reach the age of six years, they are more motivated to understand about the world around them and their place within it. Their language studies will be in depth and children will be encouraged to explore this in detail, moving outside of the classroom to access resources such as the library, fostering an inclusiveness approach to education that encourages them to make a valued and positive contribution to the world around them.

What Is Included in the Montessori Language Curriculum for Ages 6–12?

When children reach the age of six or seven, they will be moving past the stage when exploration through the senses is a basic need in their learning journey. They take a more cerebral exploration approach, wanting to explore the world and the society in which they live while learning the difference between right and wrong and thinking about themselves in a meaningful way. Children at this age will start to ask bigger questions and aim to seek the answers.

A great deal of academic work can be undertaken between the ages of 6 and 12 when children are at the peak of their primary education. The Montessori curriculum for this age group includes a broad range of interconnected areas, including:

• The history of grammar, syntax and language
• The way in which written and spoken language is composed
• Literature, interpretive reading and style
• Research skills

When children are developing their language skills, the curriculum needs to be able to reflect this through a selection of thought provoking learning activities. Children should be able to take objects, emotions, events and ideas and then symbolise these in abstract form, removing them from their immediate context. The Montessori method will help children as they progress into the second phase of development where they will be starting to put language into certain contexts as well as being able to explore the reasons for why things happen. In this stage it is therefore crucial that as children study language the information that they learn and absorb is presented in a way that encourages their imagination.

 

A good quality Montessori language curriculum is usually divided into different main parts:

• Spoken (Oral) and written language
• Reading. While some child can naturally learn to read just by being exposed to words and simple phonics many learners need a more explicit structure. A structured reading programme underlined by Montessori principles is essential for all teachers to know how to use and is also essential for teaching spelling.
• Symbols, etymology and spelling taught through the history of language
• Grammar delivered through teaching about the function of words, for example learning about parts of speech through the Miniature Enviornment
• Writing. This includes handwriting, sentence construction, paragraph construction and constructing texts in a variety of different types with increasing sophistication.

Reading in the Montessori Classroom for 6-12 Year Olds

Reading development does not look the same for every child. While some children appear to learn to read with relatively little explicit instruction, many learners benefit from a carefully structured and systematic approach to phonics, decoding and spelling.

In my own teaching, I believe Montessori principles can sit alongside evidence-informed reading instruction. Children can still experience choice, meaningful language work and hands-on materials while also receiving the explicit instruction they need to become confident readers.

You can read more about my approach in my article on Montessori and the Science of Reading.

Components

Children will be able to work with a variety of resources such as books, pictures, stories and technology and in doing so they can learn about the progression of language over the years. The learning materials should help them recognise and understand:

• How the things that we encounter every day were given their name and how they were made or found. Children should be also taught that the naming of things is something that never stops as new things are introduced and discovered
• The reasons why language is in a constant state of change
• The ways in which language is used to express creativity as humans
• The history and origins of language s a fascinating subject for children at this age who will be enthralled and engaged with the curriculum content. As they discover these different topics, these will form a strong foundation on which they can build their spelling skills and perfect their art of handwriting as they continue to develop skills in reading and creative writing.

The Montessori language curriculum for ages 6–12 is broad, interconnected and full of opportunities for children to develop as readers, writers, researchers and communicators. The exact pathway will look different for every child, but the goal remains the same: to give children the skills, confidence and curiosity they need to use language meaningfully.

As always in Montessori, the curriculum is a guide. We observe the child, identify what they need next and help them build the skills to communicate with increasing independence and confidence.

Download language freebies here

You can find all of my language resources here

Read more about teaching Montessori 6-12 here