Language development is a paramount component of a Montessori education. The ability to read is an essential skill, one that children absolutely love to learn. The Montessori-based approach to developing reading skills gives children a solid foundation and the confidence to read and learn on their own.
1. Read Out Loud
Children who are read to often are proven to be more successful readers themselves. Read aloud from infancy. Let your child follow along word by word if they are interested. If the child is not interested in the printed text, there is no need to force it. Having a relaxing, fun time reading snuggled up with a loved one is an excellent way to build reading skills. Many children enjoy read-alouds well into their teens.
2. Make the Most of the Sensitive Period
Children ages 2.5 to 4.5 are in what Maria Montessori called a "sensitive period" for learning letters and sounds. Introducing children to these concepts during this window builds a solid foundation on which reading will follow. After this sensitive period, some children seem to intuitively grasp reading and take off, while others need more instruction and guidance. Both are perfectly normal and developmentally appropriate.
3. Use the Three-Period Lesson
This approach is a hallmark of what makes the Montessori method so effective. The three periods are simple:
- This Is: "This is the letter S." The child sees the painted wood letter S.
- Show Me: Place several letters in front of the child and say, "You may show me the letter S." Allow the child to choose. If they select another letter, do not correct. Simply return to Period 1: This Is.
- What Is?: Point to the letter S and ask, "What is this called?" If the child answers incorrectly, do not correct. Simply return to Period 1: This Is.
Young children in particular love this approach and may ask to repeat it over and over with the same letter, picture, or concept. Repeat the lesson as many times as needed until the child has competence and closure.
4. Take It Incrementally
Reading skills build on each other. Children begin by using letter sounds to make two-letter words, then consonant-vowel-consonant words. Next they match word cards with pictures, and eventually move on to phrases and sentences. Before you know it, the child is reading books independently.
5. Allow Children to Step Back When Needed
Children all have their own development and timeline with reading. Just because another child in your homeschool co-op was reading independently at age six does not mean your child will follow the same path. If a child is not developmentally ready for a lesson, you can set it aside and return to it later. When a child becomes frustrated, the most supportive response is to step back and revisit the material another day. Most children are reading by second grade with the Montessori method.
6. Make Reading Part of Every Subject
Once a child begins reading, you can easily incorporate their newfound skills into other subjects. Geography, history, science, and natural history are especially easy topics to weave reading into. Reading is a skill, a discipline, and a gift. Teaching a child to read is well worth the time and effort, and watching their confidence and ability to explore the world grow is one of the great joys of homeschooling.
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