Montessori three-part cards offer an engaging approach to introducing concepts, images, and vocabulary to children in the Montessori environment. Although three-part cards are typically designed for pre-readers and early readers aged 3 to 6, they can continue to be used beyond that age range if the child remains interested. They are also easy to use in elder care as the beautiful images and matching work allow practice of fine motor skills and memory recall. The main objective of Montessori three-part cards, also known as nomenclature or classified cards, is to help children expand their vocabulary, classify different materials, and establish connections within our world.
One of my favorite aspects of three-part cards is their versatility: The basic learning concept gives you the ability to tailor the learning experience to your child’s interests. If your child or elder is interested in vehicles, you can purchase or create three-part cards that display the different types of vehicles along with their names. If your child or elder loves the beach, you can make three-part cards that focus on all of the items you could bring to the beach. The options are endless and while there are many websites where three-part cards can be purchased, you can also easily create your own!
To create your own three part cards, you can use digital tools or design them at home. If you are technologically savvy, you can use an online design tool such as Canva to put your cards together or, if you are particularly talented at drawing or painting (I do not fall into that category), you could illustrate your own three part cards. Illustrating your own can be time consuming, but the end result will likely be beautiful and cherished for years to come.
Now let’s go over what makes these cards special! The Montessori three-part cards consist of three distinct components:
- The Control Card: The control card serves as a visual reference point, featuring both the picture and the corresponding name of the concept or object being explored. Its purpose is to introduce children to the complete concept and familiarize them with its visual representation. When presenting the control card to young learners, encourage them to observe the picture and associate it with the accompanying name. This process aids in developing visual discrimination skills and enriching vocabulary.
- The Object Card: The object card simplifies the control card, showcasing only the image or picture without the name. By focusing solely on the visual representation, children can deepen their understanding of the concept or object. Present the object card separately and encourage children to identify and match it with the corresponding control card. This activity enhances visual recognition and reinforces the connection between the image and its name.
- The Label Card: The label card consists of the written name or word associated with the concept or object. It allows children to isolate and concentrate on the written representation of the concept. Engage children with the label card by inviting them to read the name aloud or trace the letters with their fingers. This activity reinforces essential literacy skills, including phonetic awareness and letter recognition. Children can also match the label card with the corresponding control card and object card, strengthening the association between the written word and its visual representation.
If you are using one of our digital downloads to print and make your three-part cards, it is a very easy process.
- Print the PDF file onto white cardstock, ensuring it is in color and printed on one side.
- Use scissors or a paper cutter to carefully cut along the clearly marked black lines. If you would like to add a backing, do NOT cut the label and image cards apart yet. First, cut a colored cardstock just slightly larger than the cards. Then glue the full cards onto the cardstock. After laminating, make the last cut to separate the cards. Each image should yield three distinct pieces: the control card, the object card, and the label card.
For added durability, laminate! If you are making these cards to use in elder care, I recommend using a glare free laminating film, or using a matte craft spray to reduce the glare on the cards.
With your three-part cards ready, you can now incorporate them into your classroom, home learning environment, or care facility! If possible, we recommend storing the cards in a container with three separate compartments to keep the control cards, object cards, and label cards organized.
I used this for the smaller cards geared toward children and this for the enlarged cards geared toward elders (images below.) Alternatively, you can sew a fabric storage bag with appropriately sized spaces for each card piece, ensuring easy access and organization.
If you have a theme your child or elder is interested in, I would be happy to design it!
Feel free to reach out and share their interests to [email protected].