Maria Montessori was reluctant to teach letter-sound combinations at an early age, but found that children loved learning the sounds if introduced playfully, with the help of simple sandpaper letters. Montessori schools have been working with sandpaper letters and a phonics approach to learning writing and reading ever since.
Montessori schools have no formal literacy hour and little or no whole-class teaching. Most phonics work is done one-to-one or in small voluntary groups. In this system learning is self-chosen, so children 'work' when they are motivated and interested. Voluntary phonics is a joyful activity, as part of a day that is created by the children and not imposed by timetables, or politicians' or statisticians' agendas. They learn to make choices at an early age and have their choices respected by people older than them. Likewise, they are required to behave respectfully towards peers, elders and their learning environment. If they spill something, they learn how to tidy it up, if they are hungry they can have a snack, if they are tired they can sleep, without the need to disturb anyone.
If children experience what it is to be respected at an early age, they will naturally behave respectfully towards others as they grow up.
Thea Bredie, Horsham Montessori, Sussex
