There are a number of ways that students begin their literacy journey in the Montessori classroom. The beginning of the journey starts with playing I Spy. I Spy involves a small box or basket with a few small objects (approx. 5). The teacher (or older child) will lay the objects out on the rug, naming each one. She will then say, "I spy with my little eye something that starts with /s/." NOTE: When you see /s/, it refers to the sound s makes not the letter name. The students will then try to identify which object begins with that sound. As the children become proficient with beginning sounds, I spy can also be played with ending sounds & medial sounds (middle sounds). You can also use the I Spy objects to practice clapping syllables & segmenting words into individual sounds. You can check out a good description of I Spy on a Montessori blog here: http://thelearningark.blogspot.com/2010/11/montessori-i-spy-sound-game.html
Once the child begins have some success with I Spy, the teacher can introduce the Sandpaper Letters. The students use their fingers to trace the sandpaper letter while learning the sound the letter makes. This tactile experience gives them the muscle memory for writing the letter. It also helps to create a connection between the visual and the auditory forms of the letter. The teacher will also encourage the student to think of words that start with that sound. Students may also practice making the letter in a sand tray for further practice.
Once the child begins have some success with I Spy, the teacher can introduce the Sandpaper Letters. The students use their fingers to trace the sandpaper letter while learning the sound the letter makes. This tactile experience gives them the muscle memory for writing the letter. It also helps to create a connection between the visual and the auditory forms of the letter. The teacher will also encourage the student to think of words that start with that sound. Students may also practice making the letter in a sand tray for further practice.
Come back soon for the next step in learning to read & write, the Montessori Way!