Quick Answer

At Westport Montessori in Kansas City, children hear Spanish, French, and sign language as part of their day with their Montessori Guides. Hearing several languages in a warm, everyday setting gives young children more ways to listen, communicate, and connect with classmates whose families speak different languages at home.

Many Languages in One Kansas City Classroom

At pickup, you might hear a few different languages in the hallway at Westport Montessori. Families at our school speak Spanish, German, French, Arabic, Swahili, and many other languages at home.

That mix is part of what makes our community special. It also shapes how language shows up in our classrooms.

How Languages Fit Into a Montessori Day

In our classrooms, Spanish, French, and sign language are part of the day with our Guides rather than a separate subject. A child might hear a greeting in French during morning arrival, learn the sign for “water” before snack, or count in Spanish while working with math materials.

This fits the Montessori approach, where learning happens through real activities and repetition. Children hear words in context, connect them to things they can see and touch, and use them again the next day.

Why Young Children Pick Up Language Through Everyday Moments

Young children learn language through back-and-forth exchanges with the adults around them. Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child describes these “serve and return” interactions, like answering a child’s question or naming what they’re pointing at, as a foundation of healthy development.

Every child takes in language at their own pace. Some children repeat new words right away, and others listen for a while before trying them out. Both are common.

What Sign Language Adds

Sign language gives children another way to communicate, especially when they’re still finding the words. A child who signs “help” or “more” can share what they need in a busy classroom. Signs also give children a shared way to communicate with friends who speak a different language at home.

Language and Friendship in a Mixed-Age Classroom

Our Primary classrooms bring together children of different ages, and language often travels between them. An older child might remind a younger friend of the sign for “please,” or two children might discover they both say good morning in Spanish at home.

These small exchanges help children feel connected, even when they don’t share the same home language. They also give children a reason to keep using the words and signs they hear, since there’s always a friend to share them with.

Supporting Your Child’s Languages at Home

If your family speaks a language other than English, keep using it at home. Children can hold onto their home language while picking up new ones at school. A few simple ideas:

• Read together in your home language.
• Ask your child to teach you a sign or word they learned at school.
• Share a song, story, or tradition from your family with your child’s Guide.

Our families are invited to celebrations of cultures and holidays from around the world, which is a lovely way to share your family’s language with the class. You can read more on our family communication page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which languages do children hear at Westport Montessori?

Children hear Spanish, French, and sign language as part of their day with their Guides.

Will learning other languages confuse my child?

Young children are able to hear and learn more than one language. Each child moves at their own pace, and Guides follow each child’s lead.

My family speaks another language at home. Is that welcome?

Yes. Families at Westport Montessori speak many languages, including Spanish, German, French, Arabic, and Swahili. We love when families share their language and traditions with the class.

How can I learn more?

The best way is to visit a classroom. You can schedule a tour online or call (816) 753-6633.

A classroom where many languages are part of the day helps children notice, listen, and connect with one another. We’d love for you to hear it for yourself.

Schedule a tour of Westport Montessori in Kansas City and see our Primary and Pre-K classrooms.