“What the hand does, the mind remembers.” Maria Montessori
I’ve always loved language, was an avid reader as a child and received my BA in Language & Linguistics. I then moved to Austin to become a literacy tutor where I developed an even greater respect for the power of language and the written word. The impact it has on even the youngest children is tremendous on so many levels. There’s a lot of talk in educational circles about the “right” way to teach language, reading and writing in particular, and there is certainly value in numerous approaches.
In Montessori, we teach children “sounds” rather than the names of letters which are abstract for children to understand. In addition, before reading and writing, children learn to identify letters through touch through the use of sandpaper letters. We’ve talked before about the importance of a hands-on work for young children. They rely heavily on the use of their tactile sense to absorb information from their world and that information is transmitted to their brains where neurons are firing away and synapses grow in strength through repetition creating a foundation for future academic work.
Similarly, in the toddler community, rather than teach “writing,” we ensure that we are providing plenty of opportunities for our young friends to refine their pincer grasp, an essential skill needed for holding a pencil and writing! Remember, that whole concept of increments? Again, through repetition and through advanced fine motor work, the child displays an increasing readiness for writing down the road.
As mentioned, I believe there is value in a number of approaches, though I greatly respect the Montessori approach as it is rooted in respect for the child’s developing brain and psyche. Personally, I also believe that the process should be fun!
I once worked with a little guy who was labeled a “troublemaker.” I once asked him to do something, and when he complied, someone, (an adult), sarcastically asked, “Wow, how’d you manage to do that?” I was caught off guard, and said, “I don’t know. I just read to him.” And, it occurred to me that the word “just” does not belong in that sentence.
Reading is the most valuable thing you can do with your child at home at this stage! It opens up the world to them. Taking them to the library, allowing them to choose their own books, reading and re-reading those books, using silly voices and different tones, those are all valuable contributions to your child’s journey. If they’re ready for more, we encourage you to make it fun. For example, you don’t have to buy sandpaper letters for use at home; you can make letters in shaving cream or finger-paint! Similarly, you can offer your child to draw shapes in sand or salt in lieu of a sand tray. Chances are if you’re enjoying it, your child will too, and they will be reading and writing in the blink of an eye!
The Nest 