Montessori sandpaper letters are individual wooden cards containing letters of the alphabet in raised sandpaper. They are used to familiarize students with the look & sound of each letter while the child is also developing muscle memory of the letters in preparation for writing. Most Montessori schools use sandpaper letters that are written in cursive. Although children originally write the letters separately, this makes the transition to connected writing easier, while still enabling them to recognize typewritten letters in books.
Sandpaper letters are a part of many lessons, but children cannot do any of these lessons until they have been properly introduced to all the letters.
Instructions1. Have the child wash her hands in warm water. This will make them sensitive to touch and make sure that they are at a normal temperature.
2. Select two letters that contrast in shape and sound. These letters should be very different so that they are easy to distinguish. For example, you might select "t" and "s." The letters should be placed in front of the child so that they can be easily viewed and touched.
3. Trace one of the letters with your pointer and index finger while saying the sound of the letter. Do this several times so that it is very clear to the child what you are doing. The student may begin making the sound with you. This is fine.
4. Have the child trace the letter, the same way you just did. As he is tracing, continue to make the phonetic sound of the letter. The student may also start making the sound, but if he does not, that is O.K.. Once he has thoroughly felt the first letter, do the same thing with the second.
5. Test the child's recall. You can do this by placing both letters in front of her and then instructing her to "find the 't' (or 's') and feel it." You can repeat this as many times as necessary.
6. Add in phonetic sounds. Place both letters in front of the child and have him feel each letter while making the proper sound. Let him alternate back and forth or stick with one letter for a while, as he prefers. The important thing is that he is very clear about what sound goes with what letter.
7. Continue the lesson over subsequent days. Each day, you can add a few more letters. The child should be working with an expanding repertoire of letters with each lesson. If she appears to be overwhelmed or getting confused, you can focus on the letters she already knows until she is more comfortable.
July 2008
