What is the Montessori Three-Period Lesson?

When hearing about a three-period lesson one's first thought may be that it is some kind of three-day lecture. In Montessori education, it is the fundamental plan applied to any kind of nomenclature (naming) lesson. An activity is presented at least three times, with three different methods.

The First Period

The first period is simply a naming lesson. Three similar, yet distinctly different, objects are laid out for the child to see. As each one is presented, it is named. Say the lesson involves teaching a child the sandpaper letters representing /a/, /m/, and /t/.

The teacher uses her finger to trace the letter "a" and says, "/a/, /a/." She then has the child trace it and repeat the sound. Then the "a" is placed on the workspace.

Next is "m." As she traces the letter, the teacher says, "/m/, /m/." Again, the child traces the letter and repeats the sound before it is placed on the workspace.

Finally, "t" is introduced. Again, the teacher traces the letter and says, "/t/, /t/," then has the child do the same.

Once all three sounds have been placed on the workspace, the teacher will point to each and repeat their sounds. "This says, /a/. This says /m/. This says /t/."

If the child is interested and seems ready, the teacher can move on to the second period at the same lesson, or put away the letters to present in the second period later.

The Second Period

The second period of the three-period lesson is the "Show me" lesson. Using the sandpaper letter example, the teacher places the three letters out on the workspace, saying each one's sound as she touches it. She will then ask the child to show her each sound. "Show me /a/. Show me /m/. Show me /t/." The child should point to, trace, or pick up, the requested sound.

The first time through, the teacher may wish to go in the order they are placed on the rug. Subsequent requests should mix up the order in which they are requested, to really make the child think. The sounds can also be mixed and laid back out in a different order.

If a child has made a mistake, do not correct him. Instead, continue on and name each one again. If mistakes continue, simply end the lesson to be continued another day. Children may stay on the second period for some time, or they may pass through it quickly.

When a child is confident in this part of the lesson, he is ready for the third and final period.

The Third Period

The third period of the three-period lesson is the "Tell me" period. With the sandpaper letters, the teacher points to a sound and asks, "What sound is this?" The child is to respond.

The first time through, the teacher may wish to name each sound as it is placed on the workspace. Subsequent lessons may eliminate that step.

Again, do not correct the child if he makes a mistake. Simply move back to the first and second periods of the lesson, or clean up and try again another day. The third period can be the most difficult to master.

Three Period Lesson Example with Color Tablets

Let's say the three-period lesson is being given with color tablets. The initial lesson would be with the colors red, blue, and yellow.

First period: [Teacher speaks and points while child observes.] "This is red." "This is blue." "This is yellow."

Second period: [Teacher speaks and child points.] "Show me red." "Show me blue." "Show me yellow."

Third period: [Teacher speaks and child speaks and points.] "Which one is this?" {Repeat for all three colors.]

The three-period lesson is used any time new vocabulary is being introduced. It can be used for animals, parts of the flower, extremes in size, and more. Follow the child's level while moving through the sequence. Avoid jumping ahead too fast, and do not worry about having to go back to repeat a step. With repetition and practice, the child will achieve mastery of the material and associated vocabulary.