At Arbor View Montessori School we understand that young children of pre-school and even toddler age have a natural sensitivity for language development which follows closely on the years they learn to speak. By the ages of three, four and five they have a unique fascination for words, both spoken and printed. This fascination often enables the children to begin reading and writing before the age at which it is traditionally taught in most preschools and daycare facilities.
Reading instruction can begin on the day when the child wants to know what a word says or when he or she shows interest in using any of the Montessori language activities, such as Sandpaper Letters beginning sound and picture matching. This supports the natural development of the child as the construction of words with movable letters, nearly always precedes reading.