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February 05, 2016

Montessori Toddler Classification Cards with Printable

Nora is getting to the age where she is starting to be ready for matching work. She is starting to make connections about the world around her. We've dabbled with matching work before, but she wasn't quite ready. Now, as she really enters the sensitive period for order, I've noticed a real interest and Montessori toddler classification cards are a great place to start. She's also picking up words left and right as she expands her vocabulary. 

Pre-matching Montessori work for toddlers. These classification cards help toddlers start to identify objects and classify them into groups.

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In the Montessori approach, classification cards are used as the first step in the matching series for toddlers. These cards have only pictures on them of related groups of objects. This is pre-matching work so these cards have no matches and no words. They are simply used to introduce the objects to toddlers giving them the exact vocabulary for the items. It introduces the concept of categories and that things go together. 

Pre-matching Montessori work for toddlers. These classification cards help toddlers start to identify objects and classify them into groups.

These cards are really simple to make! Just print out the printable I created. There are three different sets -- clothes, kitchen, and bathroom. Each set contains five to seven images. You can cut out and paste each set on to different colored card stock so that they are self-correcting should the cards get mixed together. Then, laminate for durability. Then, place each set in it's own basket or tray. You can also make your own by using any set of related images. 



To use these cards, each set is presented on its own to the child. I used a mat to present to Nora, but you don't have to, any surface is fine! To present the cards, I do a 2-part lesson. First I take each card slowly out of the basket and then say its name. With toddlers, I'm careful not to talk and move at the same time. Then, just place on the mat

Once all of the cards are placed down. You can go on to the second part of the lesson. Which asks the toddler to recall the names of each card. So, you may ask "Nora, where is the fork?" If your child is verbal {Nora at 19 months is not,} then you can hold up a card and ask "what's this?" This can be repeated as often as your child chooses the work! 


Pre-matching Montessori work for toddlers. These classification cards help toddlers start to identify objects and classify them into groups.

These cards can be used to introduce toddlers to new concepts until they are 3-years-old. Adding more cards can increase the challenge for older toddlers. Stay tuned for the next step in the matching process!

Have you introduced language or matching materials to your toddler? 




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Comments

Unknown
Unknown said…
Thank you, Nicole, for creating and sharing these. You continue to be an inspiring and supportive resource for families and Montessorians, and the child.
Unknown
Unknown said…
Thank you ! Great explanation ! We have been doing the category of animals and DD loves them @ 19 months . We did the three period lesson and have now proceeded to matching with animal models. I follow howwemontessori and you closely :)
Anel
Anel said…
Thanks for the printable! Do you laminate a few at a time in one purple sheet, then cut? Or cut and then laminate each individual one?