The Three-Period Lesson is a key teaching strategy in Montessori education, designed to introduce and reinforce concepts and vocabulary in a clear and structured way. This method involves three distinct stages:
- Introduction (Naming): The teacher introduces a new concept or object by naming it. This might involve showing a child a geometric shape and saying, “This is a circle.”
- Association/Recognition (Identifying): The child is asked to recognize and identify the concept among several others. For example, “Show me the circle,” or “Give me the circle.”
- Recall (Cognition): The final stage tests the child’s ability to recall and name the concept independently. The teacher might ask, “What is this?” expecting the child to answer, “A circle.”
This method is effective for its simplicity, clarity, and reinforcement of learning. It supports memory retention, language development, and the understanding of concepts through gradual progression from introduction to active recall. The Three-Period Lesson is versatile and can be applied across various areas of the Montessori curriculum, including language, mathematics, sensorial activities, and more.