Review: Montessorium “Intro to Letters” App

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.