What I'm Reading Right Now: Montessori Read and Write

Assalamu alaikum,

I have been reading this book, Montessori Read and Write: A Parents' Guide to Literacy for Children, and have been enjoying it.

There are some things that I do not use from the Montessori Method when I teach reading. I primarily use the Guided Reading method and when needed, I provide support for a student using some aspects of Montessori education.

Among the aspects from this book that I like are:

• Identifies the times your child's windows of opportunity are open. Windows of opportunity are called sensitive periods in Montessori education. Simply put, these are the times when your child's brain is most ready and able to refine certain characteristics such as language learning, motor skill development, etc. It is believed that when these "windows" close, it is more challenging for a child to master them or that aside from experiencing difficulty, some children may never completely master a particular characteristic if he/she is not exposed to these characteristics during these "windows" and waallahu alim.
• Timelines are provided that show you when these sensitive periods occur.
• Activities are provided that you as a parent can do at home to help your child successfully develop and master each characteristic insha'Allah.
• Defines the steps that should be taken when teaching a child to read and write. Also describes how the steps should be taught.

As a guide for parents, this book is easy to understand, concise and full of helpful advice to help your child get off to a good start learning to read and write.