Maria Montessori introduced the concept of the three-period lesson. In this approach, the First Period consists of becoming familiar with words (the vocabulary of the material) through striking the imagination and engaging the student. The Second Period lessons dives into the details of the material, usually through hands-on activities. Finally the Third Period is an assessment of the student's mastery of the material. This approach not only works for learning, it is how we approach all phases of and topics in education.