Reading, as defined by Dr. Montessori, is “The interpretation of an idea by means of graphic symbols.” Reading is not merely decoding the symbols of our language to identify individual words. It is a complex process that also includes understanding the meaning of individual words, phrases, sentences, paragraphs, and compositions an Author is trying to convey. Our goal is to help the child learn to decode words as the first step towards becoming an active reader who understands the context and meaning of what they are reading.
The Mechanics of reading activities are the first reading activities introduced to the child. These lessons introduce children to phonics or the concept of deciphering what a word says based upon the sounds the letters make (as learned through work with the sandpaper letters). These activities expand to include phonograms (digraphs or sound blends) and puzzle words (sight words) to help the child build a strong foundation for reading fluidity.
Activities to explore the Mechanics of Reading:
Phonetic Reading Activities
The phonetic activities are the earliest reading lessons we offer the child. Each activity features a single word (or a short grouping of words) that can be decoded using the child’s knowledge of the consonant and short vowel sounds learned through his or her work with the sandpaper letters and the moveable alphabet.
At Home Phonetic Flash Cards ages 4 and up
Directions: Print and cut out the phonetic flash cards. We call these “flashcards” because we want to read the cards quickly or in a “flash”! Blend the individual sounds to decode the word. When the word is identified, say the entire word out loud. Read each of the cards in the stack. When finished, mix the cards and try reading the words more quickly.
Extension: Get a small sand timer. Try to read as many cards as possible before the sand runs out. Challenge yourself to read more cards with each try.
Choose the set of flashcards that meets the child’s current ability:
phonetic flashcards set 1.pdf
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phonetic flashcards set 2.pdf
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Phonetic Flash Cards Set A.pdf
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Phonetic Flash Cards Set B.pdf
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At Home Phonetic Command Cards ages 4 and up
Directions: Print and cut out the phonetic command cards. Read each card and follow the directions. Consider writing your commands on slips of paper.
Phonetic Command Cards Home.pdf
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Phonetic Command Cards Home Set 2.pdf
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Montessori Slips of Paper.pdf
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Phonogram Reading Activities
The phonogram activities help to extend a child’s experience with reading words that include sound blends, digraphs, and vowel teams (such as /sh/, /wh/, /ee/, and /ar/).
At Home Phonogram Flash Cards ages 4 ½ and up
Directions: Print and cut out the phonogram flashcards. Each set has a key picture on the first card to help identify the featured phonogram. The phonogram is also highlighted in green. Blend the individual sounds and decode the word. When the word is identified, say the entire word out loud. Try to read the whole stack. When finished, mix the cards and try reading the cards more quickly.
Extension: Get a small sand timer. Try to read as many cards as possible before the sand runs out. Challenge yourself to read more cards with each try.
Choose the flashcard set based on the phonogram you are interested in.
Ch, Ph, Sh, Th, and Wh:
Phonogram Flashcards CH.pdf
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Phonogram Flashcards PH.pdf
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Phonogram Flashcards Sh.pdf
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Phonogram Flashcards TH.pdf
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Phonogram Flashcards WH.pdf
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Kn, Ng, Qu, and Wr :
Phonogram Flash Cards KN.pdf
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Phonogram Flashcards NG.pdf
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Phonogram Flash Cards QU.pdf
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Phonogram Flash Cards WR.pdf
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Ai, Ay, and A_E
Phonogram Flashcards AI.pdf
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Phonogram Flashcards AY.pdf
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Phonogram Flashcards A_E.pdf
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Ee, Ea, Y, and E_E
Phonogram Flash Cards EE.pdf
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Phonogram Flash Cards EA.pdf
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Phonogram Flashcards Y.pdf
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Phonogram Flash Cards Y as in baby.pdf
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Phonogram Flash Cards E_E.pdf
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Ie, Igh, I, I_E, and Y
Phonogram Flashcards IE.pdf
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Phonogram Flashcards IGH.pdf
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Phonogram Flashcards I as in Find.pdf
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Phonogram Flashcards I_E.pdf
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Phonogram Flashcards Y as in fly.pdf
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Oa, Ow, O, and O_E
Phonogram Flashcards OA.pdf
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Phonogram Flashcards OW as in Bowl.pdf
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Phonogram Flashcards O.pdf
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Phonogram Flashcards O_E.pdf
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Ue, Oo, Ew, and U_E
Phonogram Flashcards UE.pdf
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Phonogram Flashcards OO as in zoo.pdf
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Phonogram Flashcards EW.pdf
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Phonogram Flashcards U_E.pdf
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Ar and Or
Phonogram Flashcards AR.pdf
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Phonogram Flashcards OR.pdf
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Phonogram Flashcards Set 2 OR.pdf
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Er, Ir, and Ur
Phonogram Flash Cards ER.pdf
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Phonogram Flash Cards IR.pdf
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Phonogram Flash Cards UR.pdf
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Ce and Ci:
Phonogram Flash Cards CE.pdf
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Phonogram Flash Cards CI.pdf
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Ow and Ou
Phonogram Flashcards OW.pdf
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Phonogram Flashcards OU.pdf
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Oy and Oi
Phonogram Flashcards OY.pdf
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Phonogram Flashcards OI.pdf
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At Home Phonogram Commands ages 4 ½ and up
Directions: Print and cut out the phonogram command cards. Read each card and follow the directions. Consider writing your own commands on slips of paper.
Phonogram Commands Home.pdf
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Phonogram Commands Home Set 2.pdf
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Phonogram Commands Home Set 3.pdf
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Phonogram Commands Home Set 4.pdf
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Montessori Slips of Paper.pdf
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Puzzle Word Reading Activities
We introduce puzzle words after the child has lots of experience with reading phonetically. Puzzle words do not follow the phonetic rules. They are typically irregularly spelled and often come from other languages. These words (such as laugh, the, and what) have to be memorized. We introduce puzzle words using three-period lessons.
At Home Puzzle Words ages 4 ½ and up
Directions: Print and cut out the puzzle words. Choose three contrasting words to introduce to your child using a three-period lesson, using the guidelines below. Over time, introduce additional words in the same manner.
Puzzle words.pdf
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Three Period Lessons With Puzzle Words.pdf
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Puzzle Word Coloring Page ages 5 and up
Directions: Color in the puzzle words using the color code listed to create a vibrant picture.
Color By Puzzle Word Fruit Basket.pdf
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Color by Puzzle Words Fire Truck.pdf
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Puzzle Words Word Find ages 5 and up
Directions: Search for the puzzle words hidden in the block of letters. The puzzle words can be found across, down, or diagonally. Circle the words when you find them, and check the word off of the list below.