Day 16 - Language ARTS: scaffolding PARTS

We are developmentally focused in our teaching philosophy - Sheri Schonleber 

Today we focused on developing language and literacy. As a foundation we researched Montessori's and Machado's "Early Childhood Experiences in Language Arts: Early Literacy" view on language and literacy. The Montessori method language arts is a multi-sensory approach blended in phonics, language along with the child making meaning in oral language and the explosion of meaning.

"The teacher is a model for listening as well as speaking. Words, expressions, pronunciation and gestures are copied, as is listening behavior"
(Machado, 2007 p.213)

Another purpose of these educational activities would be to help perfect auditory skills, sustain attention span, discriminate between sounds along with using auditory memory (Machado, 2007 p.250).


We learned to look at the patterns. Patterns help children to create sequence and organize their thoughts which then help prepare the child to learn attention to detail. This can be done through matching and sequencing  and then three part cards. 




In understanding oral language development we learned to look at patterns. Patterns help children to create sequence and organize their thoughts which then help prepare the child to learn attention to detail. This can be done through matching, sequencing  and then three part cards. 
Together as a group we researched and discussed how as educators, we can create a language-rich environment. One way we began this was through understanding the relationship between language and culture. 

"For the optimal development and learning of all children educators must accept the legitimacy of children's home language, respect and value the home culture, and promote and encourage the active involvement and support of all families including extended and non traditional family units" (Machado, 2007 p.129).

As I am bilingual in Spanish and English I can relate to honoring the legitimacy of my home language. Cultural events at school allowed me express my love for my family's culture through sharing traditional foods and folkloric dancing. While I was learning to read english I had taught myself to read Spanish through observing the environment. As I look back on this I want to continue to create a space were bilingual learners can grow.

Looking at Almaguer and Esquierdo's "Cultivating Bilingual Learner's Language Arts Knowledge: A framework for successful teaching". We can see that contextualizing along with learning principal serves as a foundation for student learning.

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Engaging bilingual learners in higher order thinking application like Blooms Taxonomy such as application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation levels, allows and supports critical thinking. These higher levels of thinking skills expand their understanding of the language, content literacy, and are able to transfer knowledge from each language to another. One way integrating this knowledge is through creating and being active in the writing process, shared reading, literacy and web mapping.

One principle that is discussed is the role of understanding and self-monitoring thinking. Self -regulation is also important in Montessori as all the materials have a control of error. As a child learns meta-cognitive skills, essential to reflect or think about what one has learned, the child develop ownership and responsibility which allow the child to be a life-long, independent learner. 

Personally this came together as Professor Schonleber demonstrated three part cards, soon afterwards we my computer started playing music on its own. I apologized as it had turned on. Sheri then discussed about the importance of part to the whole- part of the whole. Then I looked down on my computer screen somehow it had move to a previous screen which syncronistically read "Amma sees everything as part of the whole, as an extension of her own self"-Amma

This quote touches on a deeper aspect of Montessori's Method which is the inter-relatedness and connection between of all of life. I feel that I can add the concept of part to whole/ piece to whole and peace to whole into the classroom.As in this way I can integrate cosmic education really focusing on peace into all areas.

Affirmation of the day: I lovingly integrate all pieces within me and I am whole.