At Montessori Kids Academy (MKA) in Cumming, GA, we believe that a lifelong love of reading begins early. Our Montessori-based reading curriculum is designed to nurture literacy skills from the toddler years through kindergarten, using hands-on materials, phonics-based instruction, and child-led exploration.
Early Literacy Begins in the Toddler Classroom
Language development starts as early as 18 months in our Toddler classroom. Following Montessori principles, children learn to write before they read—building the foundation for literacy through tactile and sensory experiences.
We introduce Montessori Language materials such as:
- Sandpaper Letters for tactile letter recognition
- Phonics Object Boxes to connect sounds with real-world items
- Metal Insets and Tracing Trays to strengthen fine motor skills
- Movable Alphabet Boxes for sound blending and word building
These materials help children develop phonemic awareness, visual memory, and muscle coordination, all essential for early reading success. Our classrooms are labeled with real words, allowing children to absorb written language naturally before formal instruction begins.
Primary Class: Writing, Sound Blending, and Decoding
In our Primary classrooms, children use the Movable Alphabet alongside picture cards to build and write three-letter phonetic words. This hands-on approach helps them understand how sounds form words and encourages independent practice of beginning, middle, and ending sounds.
We use the Waseca Reading Program, a self-paced, multisensory curriculum that guides children from sound blending to fluent reading. Lead teachers monitor progress, provide follow-up lessons, and introduce print and cursive writing to reinforce literacy and motor skills.
Children are also encouraged to write their own stories, sparking creativity and building confidence in self-expression.
Reading Culture and Family Engagement
Once children begin forming words and sentences, reading becomes a natural next step. Every classroom features a reading corner with books rotated weekly by genre to inspire curiosity and exploration.
To reinforce reading at home:
- Children take home book bags with curated books and sight words
- Parents are encouraged to read with their children regularly
- Our Reading Coordinator reads with students daily to strengthen fluency
We also host literacy events like the Scholastic Book Fair and weekly PLC (5-year-old) read-alouds, where children read in front of peers to build public speaking and reading confidence.
A Language-Rich Environment for Lifelong Readers
At Montessori Kids Academy, our goal is to create a language-rich environment where reading and writing are joyful, natural, and empowering. Through hands-on materials, phonics instruction, and family involvement, children develop strong literacy skills and a lifelong passion for reading.
To learn more about our approach to reading, call 678-208-0774 or email us.