The Simple Commands: Set 1 is a Educational Materials Montessori material designed for children aged 3-6, crafted by Nienhuis Montessori to AMI standards.
This Simple Commands Set 1 introduces early reading and action concepts through color-coded command cards. The red cards display action verbs while white cards show object words, allowing children to create meaningful combinations and perform simple activities. This foundational language material bridges the gap between single-word reading and more complex sentence construction in the Montessori language curriculum.
“The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind.”— Maria MontessoriEducation and Peace
“The hands are the instruments of man's intelligence.”
— Maria Montessori, The Absorbent Mind
The Simple Commands Set 1 creates a bridge between the child's existing reading abilities and their need for purposeful action in learning. By separating verbs on red cards from objects on white cards, this material respects the child's developmental progression from understanding individual words to comprehending relationships between them. The color-coding system in Simple Commands Set 1 provides visual organization that helps children distinguish between different parts of speech before formal grammar instruction begins. When children combine these cards to create commands like 'touch table' or 'open door,' they experience the direct connection between written language and physical action. This immediate feedback loop satisfies the young child's need for movement while reinforcing reading comprehension. The Simple Commands cards transform abstract symbols into concrete experiences, allowing children to verify their understanding through their own actions. By starting with familiar classroom objects and basic movements, these command cards build confidence in early readers who can successfully complete each instruction they create.
Each order includes everything needed for proper presentation and long-term use.
Follow the Montessori method of presentation for optimal child development.
Select one red verb card and read it aloud: 'touch'
Choose one white object card and read it: 'table'
Place the cards together to form a command: 'touch table'
Perform the action by touching the table
Return cards to baskets and select new combinations
Every material is carefully selected for durability, safety, and authentic Montessori experience.
Sourced from sustainably managed European forests. Beechwood is chosen for its exceptional durability, smooth grain, and natural warmth that invites touch.
Natural, unbleached cotton in child-friendly colors. The fabric provides the right amount of friction for developing fingers while being gentle on sensitive skin.
Water-based, child-safe finish that meets the strictest European safety standards. Designed to withstand years of daily use without chipping or peeling.
Each material supports multiple areas of child development simultaneously.
Introduces sight words and basic reading comprehension through simple, meaningful vocabulary that connects words to actions.
Combines reading with physical movement, reinforcing comprehension through kinesthetic learning and active participation.
Color-coding helps children understand basic grammar concepts, distinguishing between verbs and nouns through visual cues.
Self-correcting format allows children to work independently, building confidence in their reading abilities.
Designed for child-sized hands
Professional tips from AMI-trained guides to maximize the educational value of this material.
“Start with 3-4 verb cards and 5-6 object cards, adding more as competence grows”
Model exaggerated, clear movements when demonstrating commands to emphasize the action-word connection
Create a 'command performance area' where children can freely move to complete their commands
Keep a checklist of which combinations each child has successfully read and performed
Everything you need to know about this material.
This material is designed for children ages 3-6 who have mastered basic phonetic reading skills and are ready to combine action verbs with object words to create meaningful two-word phrases.
The set includes color-coded command cards with red cards displaying action verbs and white cards showing object words, allowing children to create multiple combinations for reading practice and physical activities.
Children should be able to read simple phonetic words and have experience with the Moveable Alphabet or other basic reading materials before progressing to Simple Commands Set 1.
Red cards contain action verbs (like 'touch,' 'find,' 'bring') while white cards display object words (like 'table,' 'book,' 'pencil'), helping children visually distinguish between word types and understand basic grammar concepts.
Set 1 introduces foundational action verbs and common classroom objects for beginning readers, while Set 2 typically progresses to more complex verbs and vocabulary, building upon the skills developed with the first set.
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