Material name: Reading Classification (Montessori Reading Classification)
Area: Language – Reading Development
Purpose & developmental benefits:
Reading Classification supports the development of meaningful reading comprehension through activities in which children classify words, phrases, or short sentences into logical groups. Children move beyond decoding for accuracy and begin to read for meaning, understanding relationships, functions, and concepts within language.
This work marks an important transition from mechanical reading (decoding) to reading with comprehension.
Skills supported:
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Reads and understands words, phrases, and short sentences
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Classifies language according to themes, characteristics, or functions
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Develops logical thinking and the ability to generalize
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Expands vocabulary and language structures
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Prepares for text comprehension and academic writing at later stages
Recommended age: 4.5–6 years
(after experience with the Moveable Alphabet and basic word reading)
Material & design:
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Includes word cards, picture cards, and classification labels
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May cover:
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Parts of speech (nouns, verbs, adjectives)
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Thematic categories (animals, plants, objects, etc.)
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Conceptual categories (living/non-living, edible/non-edible, etc.)
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Stored in boxes, clips, or trays that support independent access
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Content can be adapted to the child’s reading level
Use in the classroom / at home:
Children read each card and place it into the appropriate category, either silently or aloud to check understanding.
Extensions include asking the child to explain the reason for their classification, strengthening comprehension and reasoning.
This individual activity supports independent thinking and prepares children for Sentence Analysis and later Grammar work.
