Birth to Three Language Acquisition: Influences of Ambient Language in the Montessori Setting

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 13
  In Poster Session: Montessori Education SIG Structured Poster Session: Advances in Research, Practice, and Equity (San Diego)

Abstract

This intervention added to the limited empirical research on language acquisition in infant and toddler Montessori environments. Specifically, the intervention assessed if infants and toddlers could indirectly acquire new vocabulary through the Absorbent Mind from teachers and peers’ ambient dialogue during the Montessori three-period lesson. A descriptive, correlational pre-and-post quasi-experimental design was used to assess and analyze vocabulary and ambient language. The Three Period Lesson Fidelity Tool (B-3) was designed to assess fidelity of the three-period lesson presented in six different settings. The findings provide opportunities to improve infant and toddler Guides' classroom practice related to language acquisition. The Three Period Lesson Fidelity Tool (B-3) has promise for use in future three-period lessons in infant and toddler Montessori classrooms.

Authors

• Claudine Campanelli, NY Early Childhood Professional Development Institute

• Lynn E. Cohen, Long Island University - C.W. Post Campus