Have you ever pointed to something and said, “This is a ball,” then asked your child, “Can you show me the ball?” and later, “What’s this?”
Congratulations! You’ve just used a Montessori three-period lesson without even realising it.

It’s one of the most natural, intuitive ways to teach your child language and concepts. And once you understand how it works, you’ll be able to use it intentionally (and powerfully) across your daily routines.

What Is the Three-Period Lesson?

The three-period lesson is a foundational teaching tool in Montessori education, used to introduce vocabulary, concepts, and materials. It was originally developed by Édouard Séguin, a 19th-century physician working with children with special needs, and later adopted by Maria Montessori in her approach to hands-on, child-led learning.

Here’s how it works:

1️⃣ Period One – Naming: “This is a spoon.”
2️⃣ Period Two – Identifying: “Show me the spoon.”
3️⃣ Period Three – Recalling: “What is this?”

This method isn’t about quizzing or performance. It’s about observation, connection, and supporting your child’s internal learning process. Each stage gives you a gentle window into how your child is absorbing language and meaning.

Why This Matters

We often assume our kids aren’t listening when they don’t respond. But in Montessori, we understand that learning takes time, and the silence doesn’t mean they’re not learning. It means they’re processing.

The three-period lesson helps you slow down, pay attention, and meet your child exactly where they are developmentally. It’s empowering because you begin to notice the difference between “he doesn’t know” and “he’s still absorbing.”

When used intentionally, this lesson can be a calming anchor in your day, especially when you’re feeling unsure of how to “teach” without turning into a schoolteacher.

Let’s Break It Down…

Period 1: Naming

“This is ______.”

This is the introduction stage. You simply name the object clearly while showing it to your child. There’s no expectation for them to respond or do anything with it.

🔸 You might say: “This is a fork,” while handing it to them at the table.
🔸 Or: “This is a triangle,” as you lay out a shape puzzle.

This stage often gets skipped because it seems so simple. But naming builds the foundation for everything else. Your child is using their absorbent mind to take it all in… tone, texture, context, and more.

Tip: Use real, concrete objects when possible. And limit it to 2–3 items at a time so your child doesn’t get overwhelmed.

Period 2: Identifying

“Show me ______.”

This is where understanding starts to show itself. You might place three objects in front of your child and say, “Show me the banana.” If they point or reach correctly, they’re associating the word with the object.

But don’t worry if they don’t. This is the longest phase—sometimes it lasts minutes, sometimes weeks. The goal here is exposure and practice, not testing.

Use movement-based games to make it fun:

“Can you bring me the spoon?”
“Find me something blue.”
“Let’s play I Spy with shapes!”

Tip: If your child doesn’t respond, simply go back to period one. No pressure. No shame. Just repeat and play again another day.

Period 3: Recalling

“What is this?”

This is the final stage and it only comes when you know your child is ready. You’re offering them a chance to show what they know, not asking them to perform.

You hold up the object and ask, “What is this?” When they answer correctly, it’s a beautiful moment of connection and pride. If they’re unsure, that’s your cue to circle back to more identification and naming.

✨ Tip: Avoid jumping to period three too early… it’s tempting, especially when we want to see “progress.” But mastery takes root during period two. That’s where the magic happens.

What If My Child Doesn’t Answer?

That’s okay. Montessori isn’t about rushing to get it “right.” If your child doesn’t respond (or responds incorrectly) that’s simply feedback for you, not failure for them.

Just return to the earlier stages. Use the object more in everyday life. Keep the atmosphere light and playful. Trust that repetition, context, and connection are doing the work behind the scenes.

And remember: your child is always learning, even in silence.

Where You Can Use the Three-Period Lesson

The beauty of this lesson is that it’s everywhere:

✅ Language: Animal names, kitchen tools, parts of the body.
✅ Math: Number rods, sandpaper numbers, quantities.
✅ Sensorial: Shapes, colors, textures.
✅ Practical Life: Utensils, buttons, clothing names.
✅ Cultural Subjects: Maps, continents, plants, weather vocabulary.

It also works beautifully in everyday parenting:

At the grocery store: “This is lettuce. Can you find the lettuce?”
While folding laundry: “This is a sock. Show me the sock.”
In nature: “This is bark. What is this?”

When you adopt this rhythm, you’ll start to notice something wonderful… you’re not just “teaching.” You’re communicating. And your child is responding, bit by bit, with more awareness, confidence, and language.

Bonus: Why This Works So Well

Montessori observed that young children learn through their senses and movement. Language isn’t taught in isolation, it’s rooted in experience.

The three-period lesson honours this:

It uses clear, simple language.
It pairs spoken words with hands-on interaction.
It encourages repetition without boredom.
It follows your child’s pace, not a curriculum’s schedule.

When you use this method consistently, you’re building your child’s vocabulary, confidence, and cognitive awareness, all while keeping the relationship strong and connected.

Want a Visual Guide?

Grab your free **Montessori Language Cheatsheet**… perfect for keeping on your fridge or in your homeschool space! You’ll get a clear breakdown of the three-period lesson, plus a visual of how all the language materials connect and support your child’s development.

**Sign up below** to get instant access + more Montessori wisdom, tips, and real-life stories from a fellow parent who gets it.

You don’t need fancy materials or a background in education to use the three-period lesson. You just need presence, patience, and a willingness to slow down and see the learning that’s already happening.

So next time you hand your child an object, pause for a second.

“This is a shell.”
“Can you show me the shell?”
“What is this?”

That’s it. That’s the work.
And it’s more than enough.

The Montessori Three-Period Lesson: A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents