The Montessori Three Period Lesson

The Three Period Lesson is a staple of Montessori lessons, and it is extremely simple! Just don't move on to the next period until the previous period has been mastered. If your child gets anything wrong, don't correct her, just put the material away and start with the first period again at another time.

1. First Period: Introduce the material/lesson using as few words as possible. (For example, "This is the largest cube. Largest.")
2. Second Period: "Show me." Say to your child, "Show me" then state the material. (For example. Show me the largest cube. You can also say, "Touch the largest cube." Or "Place the largest cube above your head." This works for letters, numbers, animals, etc.)
3. Third Period: "Tell me." Point to something and ask, "What is this?" Your child will offer the name. 

Let's run through an example. 

Let's say you are teaching your child the name of the symbol "8" like in the blog photo. 

1. First Period: "This says eight." (You would also trace your fingers on the number in the proper way to write the number 8.) 
2. Second Period: Lay out several numbers. Say, "Show me eight." You could also say, "Put the eight behind your back." 
3. Third Period: With several numbers laid out, point to the 8 and ask, "What number is this?"

Have you tried the three period lesson? Tell us your experience in the comments below! 

If you're looking for more lessons in the Montessori Homeschooling 101 series, here are the links: 

• Lesson 1: Finding a Space to Do Montessori Lessons
• Lesson 2: Where to Buy Montessori Materials & DIY Alternatives 
• Lesson 3: Setting Up Your First Month of Montessori Lessons
• Lesson 4: The Montessori Work Rug
• Lesson 5: The Montessori Work Cycle
• Lesson 6: The Montessori 3 Period Lesson
• Lesson 7: Freedom within Limits in a Montessori Homeschool
• Lesson 8: How to Follow Your Child
• Lesson 9: Incorporating Other Homeschooling Methods
• Lesson 10: Giving Yourself the Freedom to Leave Things Out
• Lesson 11: Working with Multiple Ages