HOW TO LEARN TO READ WITH THE MONTESSORI METHOD

In general, we usually try to introduce children to the letters too soon, which many experts describe as an error, because the brains of the little ones are not yet ready.

But compared to traditional systems, it stands out the method of the Italian pedagogue María Montessori, who lets the child learn to read at her own pace. The pedagogical renewal movements are committed to it, so we have asked Almudena Palacios, a mother, Primary teacher, educator of Families in Positive Discipline and trained in this method, to explain to us what Montessori literacy pedagogy consists of and what it is Unlike the others.

From what age can you start using?

The Montessori method can be started at any time, but if we focus on reading, activities are already started from 13-14 months, where we are 'preparing' the child for literacy.

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What does it consist of?

It is characterized by autonomy, freedom with limits and respect for the physical and social development of the child.

It is very important that the activity is directed by the child, a free work with teaching materials, and that the adult observes it.

The ultimate goal is to develop the child's potential through a structured environment.

In Montessori manipulation is very important. The child learns by doing. Since they start walking, they can start with practical and sensory life activities. These are going to prepare the fine and gross motor skills, and the senses, because for reading they use touch, visa and hearing.

How are the objectives achieved?

It starts from practical day-to-day activities, such as hand washing, dressing, setting the table ... and the sensory area.

It is usually from mastering these aspects, when they begin to be curious about the lyrics. The questions are frequent: "What does it put there?" . The time has come to present the sounds.

To put an age, we talk about around three years, although In Montessori the next step depends on the child's development (and not ages) since it is based on sensitive periods (moments where the child has great interest in something).

So once he recognizes the sounds, he goes on to introduce the letters through the sandpaper letters: while he passes his finger through it, as if it were the future writing, he repeats the sound. Learn in a multisensory way.

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As this is done, the child will be composing his own words and reading will be linked to writing.

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How is it different from the traditional way of teaching literacy?

Sandpaper letters from the Montessori method

The difference in the first place is that it is not based on the child's age, but on his interest.
The Montessori method does not begin with the presentation of letters, but rather with a phonetic work: it uses the initial of an object for example, associating it with its sound, like the "TTT" to a tomato and all the sounds are worked on.
As the child dominates this, start using materials, such as sandpaper.
Sounds are associated with the symbols that are the letters, not the other way around.
You always learn by manipulating, you run away from abstraction.
Montessori is taught to read in lowercase first, while in traditional methods they begin to read and write with capital letters.

Drawing lines for a child is more complicated than curves, if you give it a sheet they usually make ovals, wavy lines ...

What goals do you pursue?

The minimum intervention of the adult in learning and that the child be guided by their interests, concerns and curiosity. Everything is developing naturally, without pressure, regardless of age, only when everyone is prepared.

Suitable for home and school?

It can work in any of the two spaces.

It is true that many people shy away from the Montessori method because they think the materials are expensive. But it depends on what: most of your materials can be made at home and come out much cheaper.

Percentage of successes?

At age six, when they join centers that do not develop this method (due to the shortage of Montessori schools) they have a greater development in their abilities than the rest of their peers of the same age.

In addition, they read at very early ages, without pressure and with great motivation and interest.

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