How to use a Montessori 3 Period Lesson?

The Montessori three-period lesson is a fundamental teaching method used in Montessori education to introduce and reinforce concepts or vocabulary to young children.

 This lesson can be used for pretty much any concept or vocabulary that can be represented by something physical. For example: shapes, colors, letters, numbers...etc

Here's how it typically works: First choose 3 objects to represent the concept or vocabulary. In the case of teaching shapes you would have a block or object that represents "triangle" "square" and "circle"

First Period - Introduction:

In this stage, the teacher introduces the child to a new concept or vocabulary word. The teacher clearly states the name of the object or concept, demonstrates it, and encourages the child to repeat the name.

For example, if teaching shapes, the teacher might show a triangle and say, "This is a triangle" and have the child repeat the name if possible. Ideally the vocabulary is being represented by a physical object the child can manipulate. Make sure you introduce all 3 objects before moving onto the next period. 

Second Period - Association:

Here, the teacher asks the child to identify or demonstrate their understanding of the concept or vocabulary word that was introduced in the first period. This is done by doing a quick game of questions. The teacher might ask questions like, "Can you point to the triangle?" or "Which one is the triangle?" "Put the circle in my hand" "Put the square on my head" The emphasis is on the child's active participation and understanding. To make this more effective make it fun and silly. Ask about 7-10 questions or until you can tell the child remembers the names, or clearly isn't remembering them. 

Third Period - Recall:

In this final stage, the teacher assesses the child's retention and understanding of the concept by asking the child to recall the name by saying "What is this?" while pointing to the object.

You may also choose to ask more open-ended questions. For example, the teacher might ask, "Can you show me something that looks like a triangle?" or "What shape is this?" This phase encourages the child to recall and apply their knowledge independently.

The three-period lesson is designed to engage children actively in the learning process, promote understanding through repetition and association, and ultimately foster independent thinking and mastery of concepts.