Here is our play-through and review of the Montessori app, “Intro to Letters” by Montessorium.
Our brief review, including limitations and benefits, is included at the end.
App includes:
– Letter tracing (lower, upper & blends/digraphs)
– Voice recording
Limitations:
- Cannot compare to the experience of feeling the real sandpaper letters
- Making errors is more frustrating
- Child can easily and unceremoniously switch between activities – no taking out and putting away (part of the experience)
- No trained teacher to properly introduce the work or facilitate advancement
- Can reduce interest in actual sandpaper letters Requires some adult supervision
Pros:
- Remains fairly true to Montessori Method in a virtual environment; good presentation, self-correcting
- Pleasant, fun and easy to use
- Possibly good for children who might be neuroatypical, differently-abled, or cannot use actual sandpaper letters for whatever reason
Last thoughts:
- Sandpaper letters are introduced AFTER sounds are mastered, typically between age 3-4
- I would use the app in my home as an extension of Montessori work, after near mastery of sandpaper letters (to reinforce knowledge)
- Not practical to use two fingers to trace (as is done in the classroom); can use stylus
For more discussion, see this post:
Montessori Apps – Help or Hindrance?
What do you think about Montessori apps? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Review: Montessorium “Intro to Letters” App