What I learned in the Maria Montessori Method Teaching Of Phonics?

Question

The Montessori teaching style quickly drew the attention of educators across Italy and beyond in the early 1900's. She knew children of all ages learn most effectively if they are self motivated and understand the ''why'' in learning. When teaching my phonics classes I want all my students to learn the sounds of the English language, and that these sounds make up words. My students are encouraged to to learn through discovery. Phonics is the foundation for learning.

Answer 1

It sounds like you've gained a lot of valuable insights from using the Montessori Method in your phonics classes! You’re absolutely right that Montessori’s approach focuses on self-motivation and helping students understand the "why" behind what they’re learning, which can be incredibly impactful, especially with foundational skills like phonics.

When reflecting on what you've learned, you might highlight a few key areas:

1. Engagement through Discovery: Emphasize how the Montessori Method encourages students to explore and discover the sounds of English on their own. By guiding them to learn through discovery, you’re helping them develop a deep, lasting understanding of phonics.
2. Building Confidence and Independence: Montessori’s approach helps foster independence and confidence in young learners. Share how this translates to phonics—how, as they start recognizing sounds and connecting them to words, they gain confidence in their reading and language skills.
3. Phonics as a Literacy Foundation: Phonics is indeed a critical building block for literacy. Reflect on how using Montessori's style of teaching phonics lays a strong foundation for reading and comprehension, setting students up for future success.

Your experiences with the Montessori Method in teaching phonics could also be a wonderful way to show how this style of teaching fosters a love for learning, as children become active participants in their education. Montessori believed this engagement was key to effective learning—and your classroom sounds like a great example of her ideas in action!