The natural purpose of language is the expression and communication of meaning in our daily living. It enables us to express our needs, share our experiences and learn from each other. Language is the medium of thought and of learning. Language is needed to communicate with one another, this is the social aspect of language, which unites human beings by a common bond. Language not only fuses men into groups and nations, but it is central point of difference between the human species and all others. According to Maria Montessori “Language is an instrument of collective thought”. She felt that language is truly the expression of a kind of super intelligence. Language develops naturally like a spontaneous creation.
“The bond between the human beings is their common intelligence and language is the vehicle that makes the abstract intelligence of the community possible” – Language and the development of reading (course material), page 5
Dr. Maria Montessori developed two main concepts “Absorbent Mind” and “Sensitive Periods”, which are basic essentials of her philosophy. The first 6 years age span is divided into 2 three year periods. The first 3 years is called as unconscious learning and next three years is conscious learning.
The emotional and intellectual qualities of the child develop through “sensitive Periods”. Each sensitive period motivate child to seek objects and relationships in their environment. According to Maria Montessori child’s mind is sharper than an adult. During sensitive period, children easily acquire abilities like language, discrimination of sensory stimuli, thought process of environment. Child has creative intelligence that exists in his conscious mental stage. Between ages 0-3 years, this unique early
Bibliography: Books 1. Montessori and Early childhood - Susan Feez 2. Essential Montessori - Elizabeth Hainstock 3. Montessori Today - Paula Polk Lillard 4. How to Raise an Amazing Child: The Montessori Way to Bring Up Caring, Confident Children - Seldin, Tim 5. Montessori Principles and Philosophy – DMT 101 Websites http://www.auduboncharter.com/images/mont/Explanation_Pink_Blue_Green_Series_PreK-3rd.pdf http://www.infomontessori.com/language/introduction.htm