Overview

This language activity supports early literacy and communication skills through hands-on practice. This post describes a set of materials for teaching children how to read using phonetic words and objects. Often, this is the stage that the Child will ‘explode’ with excitement. All they want to do is read! Sensory phonics using images and words help to teach the Child to read. This is the 2nd set in a 3-part series, guiding the Child through an in-depth understanding of word building and reading.


The second in the Montessori reading range. A continuation of the pink reading series, the Montessori blue reading series continues to use only phonetic words with short vowels. However, the phonetic words in the blue series are 4- to 5-letters in length. The Child is learning to put more complex sounds together to make longer words.

This series provides the Child with an in-depth understanding of 4- and 5-letter word building and reading. This language material activity explores sounds, letters and word building. With the use of objects, the activity builds to picture and word cards, lists, phrases and sentences. Working with the movable alphabet letters, children develop a larger vocabulary and read their second book; the Blue Book.

Note: To gain the full benefit of this blue reading series, it is suggested that you use these additional items:

objects – (Blue Box 1) Sold separately – used with the large movable alphabet letters build words. Should you supply your own objects, ensure that they represent 4- and 5-letter phonetic words. The Child breaks down the words into their sounds.
large movable alphabet
mat for the large movable alphabet.
Contents for the Montessori blue reading series:
Blue Box 2: Pictures only – 3 boxes with 7 picture cards per box. A total of 21 cards.
the Child uses this item without the objects.
they break down the words into sounds.
while phonetically sounding out the letters, they build the word, using the large movable alphabet letters and mat.
Blue Box 3: Word Suggestions for Objects – 1 box with 30 words (no pictures).
the objects are sold separately, however, we have provided the word cards for the objects, in case you want to find your own objects.
the Child reads the word and matches the word card to the objects to practice their reading.
invite the Child to name the objects.
place ±6 objects on the mat.
invite the Child to tell you what each object is.
encourage them to read the word cards by phonetically sounding out the letters.
finally, match the word card to the appropriate object.
as an additional challenge, the Child can phonetically sound out the large movable alphabet letters and form the word in the word card onto the mat.
Blue Box 4: 3 boxes with 7 picture cards and 7 word cards per box – total of 42 cards.
The Child reads the word and matches the word card to the picture card for practice.
Blue Picture-Word Sheets and Cards: the objective is for the Child to match the words to the pictures on the A4 sheet.
ensure the Child reads left to right and then moves to the next line and repeat. This practice improves the movement of their eye-muscles.
5 x A4 control sheets with pre-printed images, each supplied with matching 8 x word cards, stored in an envelope behind the plastic display.
Blue Mystery Box: 1 x box with 10 word cards, folded in half.
no pictures or objects are used to indicate the meaning of the word.
these cards are for the Child to open and read to themselves.
the teacher builds excitement by inviting the child (in a secretive manner), to choose a word and to read it in secret.
the teacher asks them if they wish to share the word with them, if they want to.
Blue Word Lists: 12 word lists with an image at the top, 8 words per list, a total of 96 words.
this activity extends the Child’s vocabulary, and helps them practice reading.
the first word represents the image.
7 further similar phonetic words are listed.
Blue Sight Words: 1 x box with 9 cards with various words, a mix of prepositions, adverbs or conjunctions.
use sight words at the start of a sentence.
if the Child finds a word in the sentences they cannot sound out, use a sight word.
these are words that cannot be sounded out phonetically.
The Child Starts Reading:
Blue Phrases and Sentences Box:
6 phrases; each has a control card with an image and phrase.
a separate mute card displays the picture with a separate label displaying the phrase.
phrase cards improve the Child’s confidence as they learn to string a few words together.
8 sentences; each has a control card with an image and sentence.
a separate mute card displays the picture with a separate label displaying the sentence.
sentence strips teach the child capital letters and punctuation. These strips also develop comprehension skills and additional practice.
Blue Book: this is the second book that the child reads. It has 15 picture pages with a sentence describing the picture on the opposite page.
the Child can see how and what they have learnt, combined to form a story
an opportunity to read many sentences, with 4- and 5-letter words. This includes sight words, articles, capital letters and punctuation.
using the Montessori blue reading series helps the Child to develop an appreciation for books.


Objects Included:
A set of objects in boxes where all of the objects represent a 4- or 5- letter phonetic word. Use these objects as tools to teach vocabulary. Note, the objects may change due to availability, but there will always be 14 objects.

The pink reading series gives the Child confidence and a basic understanding of how to read by learning the phonetic sound of individual symbols and 3-letter phonetic words. A sudden explosion of comprehension takes hold of the Child, who tries to find more and more words to read. Now this is the time to introduce the blue reading series. Match the 4- or 5-letter phonetic word to each of the objects for the blue series.

What is the difference between the Pink and Blue Series?
The blue is a continuation of the pink reading series. Only phonetic words with short vowels are used, however, the phonetic words in the blue reading series are 4- to 5-letters in length. The Child is learning to put more complex sounds together to make longer words.

These 14 objects also form the blue box 1 of the The Montessori Blue Reading Series. These objects are used with the large movable alphabet letters and the mat for the large movable alphabet. The Child phonetically sounds out the name of each object. Selecting the movable alphabet letters representing the sounds, they lay them on the mat to form the word.

Contents of the Objects for Blue Series:
Blue Object 1: 7 objects
sand, lamp, desk, clip, sled, pond, bolt
Blue Object 2: 7 objects
step, helm, gift, flag, stump, milk, band
30 Cards with a 4- or 5-letter phonetic word on each card. 14 Words match the 14 objects, 16 additional words do not have matching objects. We printed these additional words for the convenience of the teacher to source their own objects.
2 x Plastic boxes with lids
Note: Objects supplied, may differ from the ones represented in the product photo; due to availability of individual objects; but there will always be 14 objects.

Sizes:
objects vary in size – approx. 5cm / (2″) each

Recommended Age Range

Generally suitable for ages 3–6 with adult supervision; may extend based on readiness.

Key Learning Outcomes

• Encourages recognition of letters, sounds, and words.
• Supports concentration, communication, and creativity.
• Builds confidence with early literacy.

How It’s Used

1. Place the activity on a child-sized table or mat.
2. Invite the child to explore by matching, tracing, or arranging pieces.
3. Encourage repetition to build familiarity with letters and sounds.

Tips for Home Use

• Play simple word games to make language learning fun.
• Encourage children to share what they’ve learned.

Material & Safety Information

Always exercise extreme caution and care, never leave a child unattended and without adequate supervision with any of the equipment or material advertised on our website and catalogue. Many of the products on our website and in the catalogue are designed according to scientific teaching principles. They are teaching aids, not toys. They must be used under professionally trained adult supervision.

Our products include educational Montessori materials as well as child-friendly educational toys. Montessori materials are teaching aids and not toys — they must be used under adult supervision. Toys in this category are designed for play but still require appropriate care and supervision.

The Heart of Montessori Learning

In Montessori education, the importance of learning is not found only in the materials, but in the way they are introduced. The true magic lies in the prepared adult, the prepared environment, and the respectful relationship between adult and child. When this relationship is built on trust, respect, and authentic love, the child feels safe and inspired to explore. As Dr. Maria Montessori explained, it is through this deep connection that learning is joyfully and naturally absorbed. Montessori called h...