Learning to read using the Montessori approach can seem daunting, but it’s really quite simple, very logical, and the step-by-step nature of it will have your child reading with little struggles. Here are the steps we use here at home, how to use the resources, and how to make or buy what you need for the first part of that process: the sandpaper letters.

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The first step in the Montessori process toward learning to read is the introduction of the sandpaper letters. Maria Montessori realized that children learn best when all of their senses (or as many as possible) are involved in the process, so she developed sandpaper letters. They’re exactly what they sound like- letters made out of sandpaper mounted on cards. They are not difficult to make, but they are time consuming. There are plenty of inexpensive but durable versions that can be purchased as well, which is the route we took. (Resources for both DIY and pre-made below)

Some Background

Typically, a child is introduced to the sandpaper letters at age 3. This is not a hard and fast rule, but rather a generalization. My eldest started showing a readiness and an interest before 2 1/2, and learned all the sounds quickly, but my son has been slower paced and we didn’t start til he was 3.

I should note here, that the Montessori method teaches the sounds of the letters, not their names. This makes it much easier for a child to transition into reading. When introducing sounds by the Montessori method, we use the short vowel sounds and the typical sounds each consonant makes. We also begin with the lower case letters, and do not introduce upper case until much later in the process.

The trickiest part in all of the sandpaper letter lessons is getting the pronunciation correct for the consonants. When saying a consonant, it’s easy to fall into the habit of adding a vowel to the end. “Ma” or “Muh” instead of “Mmm” for example. Once I broke myself of that habit and was able to consistently cut the consonant sound off, the process went much smoother. It really makes a difference down the road when your child will be sounding out words.

When introducing the letters, I begin by introducing them in groups of 4 or 5. We only work on 4 sounds at a time, waiting until the child has mastered those before moving on. Here are the groupings that I work with, but you can break yours up however you like.

• M, S, A, T
• C, U, P, Z
• B, F, O, G
• W, I, G, L, I
• H, E, N, D, R
• V, K, Q, Y

The sets you choose will become important down the road when you beginning sound object boxes.

The Lessons

The lesson for the sandpaper letters is pretty simple, and is designed to be repeated as many times as it takes until your child has mastered the sounds.

Step One: Put one card in front of your child, and say the sound: “this is ___” while tracing the letter on the card. Follow this up with the words, “can you say ____?” and invite them to trace the letter as they say it. You will probably have to guide their hand. Repeat for all 4 sounds in the group you are working with.

Step Two: Ask Questions. I start with asking the question, “Can you point to the ____?” in random order until we’ve covered all of the sounds. For the first lesson, this is as far as I go. It is short and sweet, short enough that they haven’t lost interest.

For the next lesson, I repeat Steps One and Two, and if the child seems ready, then I add Step Three, which is pointing to a letter and asking, “what does this say?”

Eventually, the child will be able to answer all of the questions consistently.

Sandpaper Letter Games

In order to keep the subject matter interesting, especially for the child who struggles to remember them, I play a couple of games.

The first is Knock, Knock. This one is super simple. I flip all of the cards upside down on the rug, and then knock on one, saying, “knock, knock”. The child answers, “who’s there?” and flips over the card. Then we say the sound together.

I also play a treasure hunt style game. With all the cards laid out on the rug, I’ll say, “place the _______ (name of letter) on the/near the/next to the ______ (specific location in the room).” Once the child has placed each card, and they’re scattered about the room, then I say, “bring me the _____” The child then has to remember both what the letter looks like and where they put it. It’s a great game for remembering sounds but also for following directions and paying attention.

Where to Get Sandpaper Letters

If you’re interested in DIYing your letters, you can find a good tutorial over at Happy Early Learning.

If you’re interested in purchasing a set of sandpaper letters, here are a few inexpensive options.

Didex has a quality set. They’re smaller than most, but durable. They were the first set we received when G turned 3. If you’re thinking about Montessori, but aren’t sure if you’ll stick with it, this is the set for you.

This is the set that we have. They’re more expensive than the Didex set, but a better quality. I like that they are larger and come in a wooden box for easy (and beautiful storage). We switched because we decided to teach our children d’nealian handwriting instead of traditional print. The difference between the two is that d’nealian letters are curved and slanted, which makes it easier for children’s hand to write than the straight lined print. It will also make for an easier transition to cursive down the road.

Other Sets:

Kids Advanced also has an upper and lower case combo set. These are about the same size as the Didex set, but sturdier and come in a wooden box.

Pink Montessori is another Montessori supplier that makes quality goods.

Coming Up Next . . .

Next up, Beginning Sound Object Boxes . . .