Montessori Mom

In the Montessori classroom, grammar is not a set of dry rules to memorize — it is a hands-on, sensorial experience. The Grammar Symbols are one of Dr. Montessori’s most elegant inventions: a set of colorful 3D shapes that children physically place above words to identify parts of speech.

What Are the Montessori Grammar Symbols?

The Grammar Symbols represent each part of speech:

• Noun — Large black triangle.
• Article — Small light-blue triangle.
• Adjective — Medium dark-blue triangle.
• Verb — Large red circle.
• Adverb — Small orange circle.
• Pronoun — Purple isosceles triangle.
• Preposition — Green crescent.
• Conjunction — Pink bar.
• Interjection — Gold keyhole shape.

Materials

• Montessori wooden grammar symbols
• Sentence strips
• Optional: 3D grammar symbols set

Presentation

1. The Noun Game
2. The Verb Game
3. Combining

Extending the Work

Introduce one new symbol at a time. Articles and adjectives come next. Prepositions through physical play. Adverbs modify the verb game.

The Grammar Boxes

Grammar Symbols work alongside the Grammar Boxes — color-coded boxes filled with sentence cards.

Why It Works

Self-correcting, beautiful, tactile. See also: Moveable Alphabet, Sandpaper Letters, Grammar Exercises.

Free Printable Downloads

• 📄 Grammar Symbols Printout — print, cut, and laminate for hands-on grammar work
• 📄 Grammar Symbols Extended Set — additional symbols and sentence-level exercises

Tips for Parents

• Follow the child’s interest.
• Use real sentences from daily life.
• Make it playful!