Montessori Grammar Symbols

In Montessori schools we study grammar to become better writers. The ability to communicate effectively through writing is identified as one of the key skills required by employers.

Montessori provides a range of hands-on materials that help child learn the parts of speech and how they function, and then move on to the parts of a sentence and how they function.

Simple, introductory grammar lessons are introduced in Cycle 1 but it is really in Cycle 2 that grammar works begins.

Montessori created the grammar symbols using different shapes and colours to engage children. Each symbol is introduced with a story. The stories help children understand why we use each symbol and the relationships between the symbols. For example:

• The Noun is represented by a black triangle. The triangle represents the pyramid, one of the first human structures, and black is for carbon (coal), possibly the first mineral discovered.
• The Adjective (small dark blue triangle), Article (smaller light blue triangle), and Pronoun (large purple triangle) are part of The Noun Family and so all have the same triangular shape.
• The Verb is a red circle, to represent the shape of the sun which gives life. The red colour also symbolizes life (blood). The verb gives life to the sentence. The Adverb is a smaller circle and is often shown orbiting the verb like a planet; it depends on the verb for existence.