Tools Vocabulary
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Common Core
Our Tools Vocabulary cards are text-free picture cards with 12 real photographs of common household tools. Students learn the precise name of each item through the three-period lesson, building spoken vocabulary before they read. They are designed for Montessori primary classrooms, homeschools, English learners, and intervention settings. Because the cards have no printed words, pre-readers can focus on the photo and its name.
Montessori language work begins with the child's own world, and for many children that world includes maintenance or light construction tasks requiring tools. These cards give curious students something tangible to work with that matches their interests.
What's included
- 12 cards, each showing one real photograph of a common household tool, with no text (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. Young students are interested in the real objects they encounter every day. When they are interested in the topic, students 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 these vocabulary cards?
First, spark student curiosity by saying you're going to do some work with tools. Discuss what tools the students are familiar with or what their family uses at home. Then, choose a few cards at a time and use the three-period lesson to name each item. Once students know the names, use the cards for sorting games. When students are reading, move on to the Tools 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 any student with a special interest in tools or construction.
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