Developing Reading and Writing Skills Using Montessori Methods

Reading and writing are significant milestones for any child, and most schools take a traditional approach to teaching these essential skills. In a Montessori classroom, however, educators use different ways to teach reading and writing. The goal is to help every step of the learning process be more accessible and enjoyable for students.

What Is the Montessori Educational Philosophy?

The Montessori Educational Philosophy includes distinct practices to create a positive learning experience while emphasizing natural processes. Every aspect of a Montessori curriculum centers around taking the reading and writing process step by step. As the students' writing skills develop, they will begin Montessori's reading curriculum.

What Is the Montessori Method of Teaching Reading and Writing?

One of the main focuses of a Montessori education is motivation. During your child's time in the classroom, their educators will pay close attention, and once they master a particular skill, their tasks will become more complex. Here are some of the techniques an educator may use to engage a child as they learn to read and write.

1. Tracing Letters Made of Sandpaper

With the Montessori phonics method, students learn letter sounds using letters made from sandpaper, further reinforcing learning by adding a sense of touch. While the child is learning the letter, they will trace it with their finger, which helps them learn how to write it.

2. Connecting Object Cards

After mastering the sandpaper letters and their sounds, students receive cards that they use to create phonetic pairs. These cards are a fun way for students to connect meanings with the sounds these letters and words make.

3. Forming Words

Once students master the sandpaper letters and object cards, they will move onto word formation. With this task, students can identify individual words and letters by saying the card's sound and then matching it with an object. Using word formation helps students learn in multiple ways such as reading, speaking and visualizing.

4. Journaling With Pink, Blue and Green Cards

As children learn the basics of reading, they begin journaling with pink, blue and green cards. These cards build on skills and become more challenging as the student moves through each color level.

5. Verb Cards

Verb cards function like a game of charades in which a child will receive a box of cards with different verbs on them. One child will pull a verb card and perform the action while the others try to guess the correct verb.

Help Your Child Expand Their Education With Sapientia Montessori

At Sapientia Montessori, we want to help your child reach their full potential through our individualized educational programs and Montessori reading materials. To learn more about Sapientia Montessori or the Montessori method, we invite you to complete our online contact form today!