Grammar Symbols: Introduction to the Adjective

Adjectives connect directly to the Sensorial curriculum—every quality explored with Montessori materials has an adjective. This makes grammar meaningful.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Language
• Learning area: Grammar
• Level: Ages 4-6

Objectives

• Understand adjectives as describing words
• Identify adjectives in sentences
• Use the Montessori grammar symbol for adjectives
• Connect to Sensorial vocabulary

Materials

• Medium dark blue triangle (Montessori adjective symbol)
• Adjective game cards
• Objects of varying attributes
• Grammar symbol set

Instructions

1. Place two objects: big cup, small cup. 2. 'Bring me the cup.' 'Which cup?' 3. 'I need describing words: big cup or small cup.' 4. 'These describing words are adjectives.' 5. Present medium blue triangle. 6. The Adjective Game: 'Bring me the big, red, smooth ball.' 7. Add more adjectives to be more specific.

Educator tip

The Adjective Game proves the function of adjectives—without them, you can't specify which noun you mean. This is grammar through experience.

Assessment

Child identifies adjectives and understands their function of describing nouns.

More from Language

• Grammar Symbols: Introduction to the Verb
• Grammar Symbols: Introduction to the Adverb
• Grammar Symbols: Introduction to the Preposition
• Grammar Symbols: Introduction to the Conjunction
• Sentence Analysis: Subject and Predicate
• Sentence Building with Grammar Symbols
• Plural Nouns: Regular and Irregular
• Word Families: Building Word Walls