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24 January 2025
Fostering Interest in Reading and Writing
From Play to Confident Skills in Preschool
The development of reading and writing skills is a crucial stage in every child’s education. At Montessori Hub, located in the heart of Moscow, we follow the Montessori method, which encourages children to grow through their own interests and curiosity, providing unique opportunities for skill development.
How do we prepare a child for reading and writing?
In the Montessori approach, learning to read and write begins with the enhancement of motor and speech skills. One of the key components is Practical Life, which includes simple yet essential exercises aimed at developing fine motor skills, coordination, and, importantly, preparing the hand for writing.
When a student pours grains, ties shoelaces, or buttons up carefully, they are honing the precision of their wrist movements and developing a pincer grasp—both of which are essential for writing and drawing. We believe that these activities are not merely motor training; they also stimulate cognitive skills. Hand actions activate the brain centers responsible for speech and cognitive development.
Interactive materials: The first step to literacy.
Once children have mastered their fine motor skills, they begin working with sandpaper letters—a distinctive tool in the Montessori method. Initially, the children trace their fingers over the letters, feeling their shapes and memorizing the movements. This is a vital first step toward confident writing.
Next, they progress to writing: first with their fingers in sand, then with chalk on a board, and finally with a pencil on paper. They also form words and sentences using a movable alphabet. Each stage is not just an assignment but an engaging process that helps children learn to write with interest and joy. They experience letters not only visually but also physically, making the process deeper and more meaningful.
How do we foster a love for reading?
Even in the Toddler class (ages 1.5−3 years), children begin to "read" books together with the teacher. We often bring stories to life through play and storytelling, making lessons more engaging. The children immerse themselves in the roles of characters and act out scenes, helping them not only understand the plot but also develop imagination and empathy.
As they grow, students transition from listening to books to independent reading and engage in discussions about what they have read in a circle, sharing their thoughts and feelings. This practice helps build self-confidence and self-expression skills that are vital for their future education.
At Montessori Hub, children become thoughtful and confident readers and writers, developing these skills at their own pace, with interest and enjoyment!
How do we prepare a child for reading and writing?
In the Montessori approach, learning to read and write begins with the enhancement of motor and speech skills. One of the key components is Practical Life, which includes simple yet essential exercises aimed at developing fine motor skills, coordination, and, importantly, preparing the hand for writing.
When a student pours grains, ties shoelaces, or buttons up carefully, they are honing the precision of their wrist movements and developing a pincer grasp—both of which are essential for writing and drawing. We believe that these activities are not merely motor training; they also stimulate cognitive skills. Hand actions activate the brain centers responsible for speech and cognitive development.
Interactive materials: The first step to literacy.
Once children have mastered their fine motor skills, they begin working with sandpaper letters—a distinctive tool in the Montessori method. Initially, the children trace their fingers over the letters, feeling their shapes and memorizing the movements. This is a vital first step toward confident writing.
Next, they progress to writing: first with their fingers in sand, then with chalk on a board, and finally with a pencil on paper. They also form words and sentences using a movable alphabet. Each stage is not just an assignment but an engaging process that helps children learn to write with interest and joy. They experience letters not only visually but also physically, making the process deeper and more meaningful.
How do we foster a love for reading?
Even in the Toddler class (ages 1.5−3 years), children begin to "read" books together with the teacher. We often bring stories to life through play and storytelling, making lessons more engaging. The children immerse themselves in the roles of characters and act out scenes, helping them not only understand the plot but also develop imagination and empathy.
As they grow, students transition from listening to books to independent reading and engage in discussions about what they have read in a circle, sharing their thoughts and feelings. This practice helps build self-confidence and self-expression skills that are vital for their future education.
At Montessori Hub, children become thoughtful and confident readers and writers, developing these skills at their own pace, with interest and enjoyment!