Three-period lesson with the Montessori written form of fractions — The Wonderful World of Montessori (2024)

FAQs

What is the 3 period lesson in Montessori? ›

It is a method all Montessori primary teachers use to introduce new vocabulary and concepts to a child that involves three key steps: naming, recognition, and recall (more on this below). It is often introduced in the toddler classroom as well, albeit less formally.

Three Period Lessons

Three-period lessons are the primary way Montessori teachers introduce children to new vocabulary. These lessons are given every day in the primary classroom. They are quick, simple, fun! And follow a simple formula that I will share with you today.

The three-period lesson model came from Édouard Séguin (1812-1880), a physician and educator known for his work with children with disabilities. Séguin used the three-period lesson to help children make an association between an object and its corresponding term.

The three elements of this format are: 1) before phase or launch: getting ready, 2) during phase or explore: students work, and 3) after phase or summarize: class discussion.

They are Ancient, Medieval and Modern periods.

The Technical Features

The set is left with the child as once the words have been learnt the child's interested may be rekindled and she may wish to use the material again. The two or three objects chosen should be those with the maximum contrast in name and appearance to reduce confusion.

His trains had to be in a certain order on his train table, in a nice, neat line, and the rest of his toys, books, and even clothes had to be just so. Montessori tells us that the sensitive period for order begins at birth, peaks during early toddlerhood, and generally lasts until around age five.

Visual models and manipulatives are probably the most effective way to introduce fraction concepts. But once they are strong in the foundations, students should also learn how to use fractions in expressions and equations. This helps students think more flexibly about fractions and deepen their abstract thinking.

A good strategy to introduce fractions is to connect to prior knowledge. In this strategy, you explain that we use fractions throughout our day, sometimes without realizing it! For example, ask students to think about dividing up a cake to understand what a fraction means.

What is the number line in Montessori fractions? ›

The Number Line

The idea is that fractions are numbers that are smaller than one, but larger than zero- they are the numbers between 0 and 1. On graph paper, the student would draw the number line – effectively replacing chairs for the more manageable graph squares.

In Montessori, a teacher uses the Three Period Lesson to introduce a concept or vocabulary and demonstrate the purpose of a material. These lessons allow for a slower, easier absorption process and allows for isolated concepts and reinforcement of each step or component of a lesson as necessary.

A three-period lesson is done to test the child's ability to name each number correctly. The directress tests one known number i.e. 'two' and two unknown numbers i.e 'four' and 'five'.

The primary Montessori program is designed as a three-year cycle. Ideally children from 3 – 6 years old stay with the same teacher right through their kindergarten year. Because some things take time to develop, that final year is so important.

Montessori observed four distinct periods, or "planes", in human development, extending from birth to 6 years, from 6 to 12, from 12 to 18, and from 18 to 24.

A school period is a block of time allocated for lessons, classes in schools.