Orchestral Musical Instruments Vocabulary
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Our Orchestral Musical Instruments Vocabulary cards are text-free picture cards with 12 real photographs of instruments from the orchestra. Students learn the precise name of each instrument through the three-period lesson, building spoken vocabulary before they read. They are designed for Montessori primary classrooms, homeschools, English learners, and intervention settings.
The instruments of the orchestra are grouped into four families by how they make sound. Strings vibrate when they are bowed or plucked, woodwinds sound when air is blown across an edge or through a reed, brass instruments sound when players buzz their lips into a mouthpiece, and percussion instruments sound when they are struck, shaken, or scraped. This packet includes instruments from all four families.
Because the cards have no printed words, pre-readers can focus on the photo and its name. Later, students can sort the cards by family, or connect each one to the sound it makes.
What's included
- 12 cards, each showing one real photograph of an orchestral instrument, with no text; instruments represent the four families of the orchestra (see photo for list)
- Cards are approx. 4¼" x 3¾"
- Eco-laminated with a food-grade laminate, with rounded corners
- Sturdy, clear reclosable bag for storage
- Lesson plan included
Display these cards in our medium cloth pouches (sold separately).
Created by a Montessori teacher. Eco-printed in our rural New England office.
Made in the USA. CPSIA compliant.
Note: Photos may change from those pictured.
Why do vocabulary cards matter for reading?
Interest drives learning. Montessori is a student-centered approach: the teacher observes what each student is curious about and offers materials that match. A student fascinated by music will choose these cards again and again. Each time is more practice naming, discussing, and sorting. That practice builds vocabulary, part of the language comprehension side of reading in both Gough and Tunmer's (1986) simple view of reading and Scarborough's (2001) reading rope.
How do you use orchestral instrument vocabulary cards?
First, spark student curiosity by saying you're going to do some work with the instruments of the orchestra. Play a piece of orchestral music and discuss which instruments students can hear. Then, choose a few cards at a time and use the three-period lesson to name each instrument. Once students know the names, play recordings of individual instruments and invite students to find the card that matches each sound. A trip to a concert makes a wonderful extension. Then use the cards for sorting games, such as sorting instruments from our In the Kitchen Vocabulary cards. When students are reading, move on to the Orchestral Musical Instruments 3-Part Reading Cards.
What ages is this for?
Typically ages 3 and up. The cards work well for pre-readers, English learners, and students in intervention settings, as well as older students with a special interest in music.
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