Beyond the Sandpaper Letters and Movable Alphabet: Supporting Decoding in Kindergarten and Above

Description: Science of Reading research shows that more than 60% of learners need structured literacy instruction to become fluent readers, and that such instruction benefits all learners. In this presentation we ask, what does this look like for kindergarten and lower elementary children in our Montessori classrooms who are past their sensitive period for the sandpaper letters and moveable alphabet? Participants will learn about how to prepare their environments to support the development of fluent reading, learn strategies that are both Montessori-aligned and research-based, and practice with materials and lessons they can take home to their own classroom environments.

Schedule

Saturday, November 4

8:30–9:30
Meet & Greet/Registration

9:45–9:55
Welcome and Introduction:
Dr. Denise Watts, Superintendent of Savannah-Chatham County Schools
Annie Frazer, Executive Director of Montessori Partnerships for Georgia

9:55–10:25
Keynote Speaker – Georgia State Representative Carl Gilliard

10:45–11:30 Presentations

1:00–1:45 Presentations

2:15–3:00 Presentations

3:15–4:00 Roundtable

Sunday, November 5th

8:30–9:00
Meet and Greet

9:00–9:45 Presentations

10:00–10:45 Presentations

11:00–11:45 Roundtable

12:00–12:30
Closing and Reflections