Detecting Sounds & Learning to Write

**Detecting Sounds & Learning to Write** Learning to **write before reading** is the key for a child in a Montessori environment. Even before that, the child is taught the **sounds** of the letters. All of this process takes place on **sandpaper letters**. Sandpaper letters are the optimal material for reinforcing the sense of touch. Whenever the child learns a new letter sound, they trace their fingers over that letter's inscription on the sandpaper. After some time, they are finally able to write the letter themselves. With this approach, children can form the letters for the sounds they know. Once they can form letters, they are taught to **connect those letters into words**. Once they learn the method of word formation, the next step is **stringing the sounds of each letter together** to read. **Introduction of the Concrete Moveable Letters** Once the child learns the sounds of particular letters, they are introduced to the **moveable alphabet** — physical letter tiles. Arranging these tiles teaches them word-formation **before** they ever pick up a pencil. Introducing concrete letters to the child is vital because it enhances and reinforces their natural movement tendencies and their interaction with the environment.