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Teaching children aged 4–6 can feel both exciting and exhausting. At first, you’re brimming with ideas, but soon you might find yourself wondering where to begin. They don’t yet understand much, and often the only English they know comes from Baby Shark. Speaking only in English can be interesting but also challenging… and, in the short term, it may not seem very fruitful.
But have you heard of Montessori? This approach is age-appropriate, especially when paired with an activity-rich book.
Read on to discover this inspiring method that so many educators are talking about!
What’s All the Buzz About Montessori?
Montessori is all about independence, letting children learn at their own pace, and setting up an environment that invites exploration. When it comes to English, this means kids pick up the language naturally, not through drills, but through everyday activities, hands-on materials, and meaningful interactions. At ages 4–6, their minds are like little sponges, ready to absorb sounds, words, and simple sentences. It’s the perfect time to introduce English in a playful, stress-free way.
Core Montessori Principles in Language Learning
Prepared Environment: Set up your classroom so English is present everywhere without feeling forced. Keep shelves tidy, materials easy to reach, and use real objects—staff items, toys, fruit, cups, plants—so children can handle them while hearing and using the words in context. Choose low tables, floor cushions, or child-sized chairs arranged in small clusters so children can move freely between activities and work in pairs or small groups.
Self-Directed Exploration: Offer activities in English but let the children choose what they are drawn to. When they pick something they love, whether it is matching animal figures or building with blocks, their focus (and vocabulary) grows naturally.
Multi-Sensory Learning: Engage more than just their ears. Let them trace letters with their fingers, sing songs with actions, and match objects to pictures. The more senses involved, the more deeply the language is embedded.
Real-Life Context: Do not save English for “lesson time”. Use it when you hand out snacks, tidy up, or go outside: “Let’s put on our coats” or “Who wants the red cup?” The more they hear and use English in daily routines, the more it becomes part of their world.
Real Classroom Examples
Object-to-Card Matching with Labels
Place a tray with miniature animal figurines and picture cards showing their names in English. Children match each object to the right card while saying the words out loud: “This is a lion. The lion is big.” It’s simple, but it builds vocabulary, visual recognition, and confidence in forming sentences.
Practical Life Language Integration
During snack time or while tidying up, narrate your actions in English: “I am pouring the water. The cup is full. Would you like some water?” Children naturally repeat or respond, picking up verbs, everyday phrases, and questions without even realising they’re learning.
Sandpaper Letters with Sound Games
Let children trace sandpaper letters while saying the English sound aloud. Then play a little “I spy”: “I spy something that begins with /b/.” This tactile approach strengthens phonemic awareness and lays the groundwork for reading.
Tips for Teachers
- Embed English into Daily Routines
Use English throughout the day, not just during “lesson time.” Say it during transitions, tidying up, and mealtimes so children hear and use it constantly. Encourage them to use English when asking to go to the toilet: “May I go to the toilet, please?” or when talking to each other: “Can I play with the red block?” You can also make it playful, comment naturally on what you’re wearing: “Look at my new dress! It’s blue!” or narrate small classroom moments, like watering plants or handing out materials. The more children hear English in real, everyday situations, the more it becomes part of their world.
- Use Real Objects Before Pictures
Start with concrete items (school supplies, your staff, fruits, tools, toys) before moving to abstract visuals like flashcards. Combine this with the first chapters of your books: for “Family,” bring puppets or dolls; for “Class,” point around the classroom; for “Toys,” bring the actual toys, for “Food,” use real fruits or snacks. When you reach topics like “Pets” and “Clothes,” stuffed animals and soft toys are perfect for hands-on exploration. This way, children connect English words directly to the real world, making learning tangible, memorable, and fun.
- Follow the Child’s Interest
Link activities to what excites them. If a child loves dinosaurs, bring dinosaurs into storytelling, vocabulary, and phonics practice. But to make this really effective, you need to prepare beforehand. The earlier you plan, the smoother and more engaging your lesson will be.
At the start of the year, take time to ‘write down’ and ‘know’ your children by creating simple profiles noting their interests, strengths, and challenges. These notes become invaluable on the rough days when one, two, or all students struggle to focus. Then you can turn play into learning: “As your favourite dinosaur loves to roar, John, roar like the lion! Look, this is a lion.” By connecting English to what children are passionate about, learning becomes natural, playful, and unforgettable.
Helping Kids Love English the Montessori Way
Montessori and early English learning are a perfect match. By setting up the environment thoughtfully, following children’s interests, and weaving language into daily life, you help young learners grow confident and joyful. Teaching English in a Montessori way becomes fun and interesting for you, too. Parents notice the progress and become curious about your methods, giving you the chance to share tips for continuing Montessori-style learning at home and build long-term, meaningful relationships.
And after Montessori, the Waldorf philosophy awaits for older children. So, stay in the conversation and keep exploring new ways to make language learning magical!
