Lesson of the Day 65: Grammar Boxes -- Exploring Parts of Speech Through Sentences
Published on: May 07, 2026
What Are Grammar Boxes?
The Montessori Grammar Boxes are one of the most elegant language materials in the classroom. Each box contains a set of cards with words and phrases that children arrange into sentences, discovering how different parts of speech work together to create meaning. There are eight boxes in the complete set, one for each part of speech, and they progress from simple to complex.
What makes Grammar Boxes special is that children learn grammar not by memorizing rules, but by physically handling words and experimenting with sentence structure.
Materials Needed
- Grammar Boxes with word cards organized by part of speech
- Grammar Symbols - Elite Montessori Wooden Grammar Symbols with Box
- Filling cards for each box
- A work mat or table with plenty of space
A more affordable option: Adena Montessori Grammar Symbols with Box.
The Eight Grammar Boxes
Box 1: Article and Noun
Children match articles with nouns, building awareness that these two parts of speech work as a pair.
Box 2: Adjective
Children add adjectives to noun phrases and discover how swapping one adjective changes meaning.
Box 3: Verb
The red circle arrives with the verb box. Children build complete sentences and discover the verb is the engine of the sentence.
Box 4: Preposition
Children explore how prepositions show relationships in space and time.
Box 5: Adverb
Adverbs modify verbs, and children discover this by acting out commands.
Box 6: Pronoun
Children learn that pronouns stand in for nouns.
Box 7: Conjunction
Conjunctions join two simple sentences into one compound sentence.
Box 8: Interjection
Exclamatory words that express emotion and stand apart from the sentence.
How to Present Grammar Boxes
- Introduce one box at a time. Begin with Box 1 (Article and Noun).
- Read the sentence card aloud and place it at the top of the work space.
- Have the child find the matching word cards and arrange them below.
- Place the grammar symbols above each word, naming the part of speech.
- Experiment! Swap adjectives, verbs, or adverbs and read the new sentence together.
- Use command cards for kinesthetic learning.
Age and Readiness
Grammar Boxes are typically introduced around age 5-6, after the child is reading simple sentences fluently. Children who have worked with the Moveable Alphabet and Sandpaper Letters are usually ready.
Connection to Grammar Symbols
If your child has already been introduced to Grammar Exercises, the Grammar Boxes build directly on that foundation. The grammar symbols act as a visual shorthand that children carry forward into all their language work, including Reading Command Cards and sentence analysis.
Tips for Home Use
- Start simple. Even one box with a handful of cards gives hours of exploration.
- Make your own cards using index cards and colored markers matching the grammar symbol colors.
- Connect to real life. Go on a verb hunt at the park or grocery store.