Building literacy naturally through language and sensory foundations
Core Idea: The Montessori approach to reading builds on a foundation of language development, phonological awareness, and tactile experiences, allowing children to naturally progress toward literacy without forced instruction.
Key Elements
Reading Readiness Foundation
- Rich spoken language environment as prerequisite
- Development of vocabulary through concrete experiences
- Phonological awareness through conversations and sound games
- Books as part of daily life from infancy
- Understanding that reading follows natural developmental progression
Book Selection Principles
- Realistic Pictures: Images reflecting children's daily experiences
- Beautiful Illustrations: High-quality, aesthetically pleasing artwork
- Age-Appropriate Text: Progressing from single words to sentences
- Physical Format: Board books for younger children, paper pages as skills develop
- Engaging Content: Books adults enjoy reading repeatedly
- Diverse Representation: Different families, cultures, and experiences
- Reality-Based: Focus on real-world content for children under 6
Reading Environment
- Accessible, front-facing book display
- Limited selection to avoid overwhelm
- Cozy reading area with comfortable seating
- Daily reading rituals
- Adult modeling of reading enjoyment
- Respect for books and proper handling
Developmental Progression
- Exposure to books as physical objects (0-12 months)
- Associating books with stories and comfort (12-18 months)
- Recognizing familiar pictures and turning pages (18-24 months)
- Memorizing favorite stories (2-3 years)
- Growing interest in letters and sounds (3-4 years)
- Moving toward conventional reading (4-6 years)
Approach to Fantasy
- Focus on reality-based books for children under 6
- Understanding that young children may not distinguish between fantasy and reality
- Occasional fantasy books can be introduced with context ("Bears don't really go to libraries")
- Primary focus on books that reflect children's everyday experiences
Implementation Approach
- Read to children daily from infancy
- Discuss pictures and make connections to child's life
- Allow child to choose books and set the pace
- Answer questions and expand on ideas from books
- Create predictable reading routines
- Respect child's interests, even if it means reading the same book repeatedly
- Point out environmental print in daily life
Benefits
- Builds positive association with reading
- Develops comprehension before decoding
- Creates foundation for language patterns
- Expands vocabulary naturally
- Fosters love of reading as intrinsically rewarding
- Prepares for later phonics instruction
Additional Connections
- Related Concepts: Montessori Language Development (foundation for reading)
- Applications: Phonological Awareness Activities (sound games)
- Broader Context: Emergent Literacy (natural reading development)
- See Also: Vocabulary Baskets in Montessori (concrete language experience)
References
- Davies, S. (2019). The Montessori Toddler.
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