Children between the ages of 18 months and 3 years, go through a remarkable “language explosion,” rapidly absorbing words and expressions from their environment. Maria Montessori observed that during these sensitive years, language acquisition happens naturally and effortlessly, while after the age of six it becomes more of a challenge.

Research confirms the benefits of early exposure to multiple languages. Children introduced to two or more languages before the age of three develop not only stronger social and emotional skills, but also enhanced cognitive abilities such as reasoning, problem-solving, and mathematical thinking.

In Montessori classrooms, language development is supported through carefully designed materials that make learning both hands-on and joyful. Sandpaper letters, the movable alphabet, and other activities guide children from phonetic sounds to word-building, blending, reading, and eventually expressive writing.