Boyer

The Montessori Way: Application of Montessori Methods in Traditional Education

Dinamichele Boyer, Moravian College, Bethlehem, PA, USA

Abstract:

Oral language is the basis of literacy development. Multisensory activities, like those used in the Montessori Method, may facilitate development of oral language and phonological awareness in low SES kindergarten students. Multisensory activities such as manipulation of blocks and letters were used to enhance oral language acquisition and development of the early phonological skill of rhyming. Intervention participants progressed in all areas, demonstrating application during class post-study. Participants exposed to non-orthographic representations of rhyme patterns made the greatest improvements. It is beneficial to incorporate multisensory exploration and oral language use to build early phonological skills such as rhyming.

Keywords:

Montessori, multisensory, rhyming, elementary, kindergarten