Powerful Literacy in the Montessori Classroom: Aligning Reading Research and Practice

by Susan Zoll, Natasha Feinberg, Laura Saylor

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 those 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

Genres: Education

144 pages, Hardcover

Published January 27, 2023

Reviews

[Alison Rini · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gift to find such a succinct and well-informed resource that fuses the powerful practices from both Montessori and the Science of Reading! I discovered it via a social media post from one of the authors and it has been a huge support as I plan to open my elementary school this year. It even has a forward by one of my favorites - Dan Willingham- and his wife who is a Montessori educator! Thank you so much!

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very helpful handbook for educators looking to synthesize findings from the science of reading with Montessori practices. I would recommend this book for Montessori educators who find themselves working to align their practice with state or district requirements for reading instruction, as Zoll & colleagues nicely summarize the main ideas and leaders in the science of reading research. I would also recommend this book for educators looking to adopt Montessori pedagogy, but need additional support building a case for district or state administrators.

You may not find this book helpful if you are new to the science of reading research and terminology, or if you are unfamiliar with Montessori philosophy and the activities presented in the classroom. As mentioned by the authors, the purpose of this book is not to to provide activities and instruction about SOR or Montessori pedagogy, but to begin the conversation about where the two might overlap.

[N.J. Danatangelo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really well put together book. The first dozen or so pages give a phenomenal overview of the Montessori method. Written with such clarity and adhering to latest science, this is a must read for anyone involved in a Montessori school. The Montessori community needs to have a stronger voice as the Science of Reading has its moment. This moment should lead to a bigger push to recognize the brilliance in the Montessori pedagogy and curriculum. Maria was so ahead of her time it is scary.