Treasure Chest Word Building

Miniature objects make word building concrete and engaging. Children encode real objects rather than abstract words.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Language
• Learning area: Phonemic Awareness
• Level: Ages 3-5

Objectives

• Build words from individual sounds
• Practice blending sounds
• Develop spelling awareness
• Make word building tactile

Materials

• Small treasure chest or box
• Miniature objects (cat, dog, pen, cup, etc.)
• Letter tiles
• Work mat

Instructions

1. Child selects object from chest. 2. Name the object. 3. Say each sound slowly: /c/-/a/-/t/. 4. Find matching letter tiles. 5. Build the word. 6. Place object next to word. 7. Read word back. 8. Choose next object.

Educator tip

Use CVC objects first (cat, dog, pen). The treasure chest adds excitement and intrinsic motivation.

Assessment

Child builds words for miniature objects using letter tiles.

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