Teaching reading successfully requires deep knowledge of the reading process and development, as well as the implementation of impactful reading instruction and differentiation. This book aligns Montessori didactic materials and pedagogy, developed over a century ago, with current research on reading development. Readers will gain a solid overview of the Montessori philosophy and method, specifically as related to reading and language development, enabling them to support their practice in today's educational context while inspiring the wider field of education. The authors explain how the Montessori approach is inherently aligned with the Science of Reading in that they are both scientifically based and contain methods that follow a logical, systematic, and explicit progression of teaching and learning. Montessori education supports instructional differentiation that is cognizant of children's need for independence and highly mindful of literacy and language development. This book provides valuable contributions to all educators implementing Science of Reading and structured literacy in their practice, and is a must-have for Montessori teachers (preschool to grade 3) and those that prepare, coach, and supervise them. Book Features: Aligns the Montessori curriculum to reading research, currently known as the Science of Reading. Explains how the Montessori curriculum builds reading skills, background knowledge, and vocabulary across disciplines. Shows educators how to balance state requirements and standards with maintaining a pedagogy aligned with Montessori principles. Provides descriptions of teaching materials, classroom examples, and images. Demonstrates how to use Montessori methods to support multiculturalism and differentiation to meet the needs of diverse students. Includes suggested progressions of development, such as phonological awareness, that extend lessons using the Movable Alphabet. Explores multisensory approaches to language and literacy instruction.
Susan Zoll is an associate professor and co-coordinator of the early childhood education program at Rhode Island College. Natasha Feinberg is an assistant professor in the Elementary Education Department at Rhode Island College. Laura Saylor is dean of the School of Education at Mount St. Joseph University.
Contents (Tentative) Foreword by Daniel Willingham and Trisha Thompson-Willingham Welcome Preface Acknowledgments 1. Montessori Education Dr. Maria Montessori Growth of Montessori Education Montessori Materials and the Prepared Environment The Montessori Educator's Approach to Instruction 2. Science of Reading Overview Structured Literacy Seminal Research Simple View of Reading Hollis Scarborough's Reading Rope Considering the Montessori Curriculum and Alignment to the Science of Reading (SoR) Literature Part I: Word Recognition Chapter 3: Phonological Awareness Science of Reading-Phonological Awareness Phonological Awareness in the Montessori Classroom Additional SoR Phonological Awareness Activities 4. Decoding Science of Reading-Decoding Decoding in the Montessori Classroom Additional SoR Decoding Activities 5. Sight Recognition Science of Reading-Sight Recognition Sight Recognition in the Montessori Classroom Additional SoR Sight Recognition Activities Part II: Language Comprehension Overview Chapter 6: Background Knowledge Science of Reading-Background Knowledge Background Knowledge in a Montessori Classroom Additional SoR Background Knowledge Activities 7. Vocabulary Science of Reading-Vocabulary Vocabulary in a Montessori Classroom Additional SoR Vocabulary Activities 8. Language Structures Science of Reading-Language Structures Language Structures in a Montessori Classroom Additional SoR Language Structures Activities 9. Verbal Reasoning Science of Reading-Verbal Reasoning Verbal Reasoning in a Montessori Classroom Additional SoR Verbal Reasoning Activities 10. Literacy Knowledge Science of Reading-Literacy Knowledge Literacy Knowledge in a Montessori Classroom Additional SoR Literacy Knowledge Activities 11. Conclusion Scientific Thinking, Discourse, and Advocacy to Improve the Lives of Children References Index About the Authors
"This book is clearly written and well-supported by concrete examples of materials and implementation strategies that are directly aligned with current research findings. It is especially useful for teachers in Montessori settings. However, the ideas are universal and could easily find effective implementation in traditional classrooms should the appropriate materials be available." -Teachers College Record
