The Reading Analysis — First Chart & Grammar Symbols Box is a Sensorial Montessori material designed for children aged 3-6, crafted by Nienhuis Montessori to AMI standards.
The Reading Analysis: First Chart and Box introduces children to the fundamental grammar symbols used in Montessori language work. This beautifully crafted wooden board features precisely cut spaces for seven grammar symbols, allowing children to explore parts of speech through tactile manipulation and visual recognition. The accompanying storage box keeps all symbols organized while reinforcing the connection between language structure and concrete materials.
“The hands are the instruments of man's intelligence.”— Maria MontessoriThe Absorbent Mind
“The senses, being explorers of the world, open the way to knowledge.”
— Maria Montessori, The Discovery of the Child
The Reading Analysis First Chart embodies Maria Montessori's principle of making abstract concepts concrete through sensorial exploration. By representing parts of speech as tangible, geometric symbols, children can literally hold grammar in their hands, transforming language structure from an abstract concept into a concrete reality. This material bridges the gap between the sensorial and language areas, allowing children to use their refined visual discrimination skills to analyze sentence structure. The precise spaces on the wooden board provide the order and control of error that characterize authentic Montessori materials, while the beauty and simplicity of the symbols attract the child's interest and concentration. This approach honors the child's need to learn through movement and manipulation, making grammar accessible to the concrete-thinking mind of the first plane of development.
Each order includes everything needed for proper presentation and long-term use.
Follow the Montessori method of presentation for optimal child development.
Invite the child to bring a simple sentence strip (e.g., 'The cat runs')
Read the sentence together, emphasizing each word clearly
Ask 'What is the action word?' and place the red sphere (verb) in the corresponding space
Identify the noun and place the black triangle in its space on the board
Place the light blue triangle for the article in its designated space
Review the sentence with symbols above each corresponding word
Every material is carefully selected for durability, safety, and authentic Montessori experience.
The smooth wooden surface provides a neutral background that highlights the colorful grammar symbols, helping children focus on the language concepts being explored.
Each material supports multiple areas of child development simultaneously.
Children develop understanding of sentence structure by identifying and categorizing parts of speech using concrete symbols.
The distinct shapes and colors of grammar symbols help children recognize patterns in language construction.
Bridges the gap between concrete materials and abstract grammatical concepts through hands-on manipulation.
Designed for child-sized hands
Professional tips from AMI-trained guides to maximize the educational value of this material.
“Ensure children have solid experience with the grammar boxes before introducing this material - they should understand the function of at least three parts of speech”
Create a collection of prepared sentence strips progressing from simple to complex, stored in envelopes labeled by difficulty
Model slow, deliberate movements when placing symbols to emphasize the importance of precision and thoughtful analysis
Use sentences from the children's own writing or classroom experiences to make the work personally meaningful
Everything you need to know about this material.
The set includes seven fundamental Montessori grammar symbols: the large black triangle for nouns, small light blue triangle for articles, medium dark blue triangle for adjectives, red circle for verbs, orange circle for adverbs, green crescent for prepositions, and pink bar for conjunctions.
This material is classified as Sensorial because it introduces grammar concepts through concrete, tactile symbols that children can manipulate and explore sensorially. It prepares children for language work by first engaging their senses of touch and sight, following the Montessori principle of moving from concrete to abstract learning.
While suitable for ages 3-6, this material is typically introduced around age 4-5 when children have developed strong sensorial discrimination skills and are beginning to show interest in the function of words. Earlier introduction can occur if the child demonstrates readiness through their work with other sensorial materials.
The First Chart focuses on seven basic parts of speech with simple, solid-colored symbols, while advanced grammar materials introduce additional symbols for pronouns, interjections, and more complex grammatical concepts. This material establishes the foundational understanding needed before progressing to complete grammar analysis work.
Children should have experience with sensorial discrimination activities, particularly geometric shapes and colors. They should also have begun reading simple words and show an interest in how language works. Prior work with the geometric cabinet and color tablets provides excellent preparation for recognizing and distinguishing the grammar symbols.
Can't find what you're looking for?
Contact Our Experts
Share your experience with this material and help other educators and parents.
Bundle related materials and save. Free curriculum guide included with every set.
