SUBSCRIBE FOR ONLY $16.99!

Teaching Kids to Read: Modern Approaches vs. Montessori Method

Advertisement

Originally published in TEACH Magazine, May/June 2025 Issue

By Jillian Simons

So many schools, so many philosophies. I’ve been an educator for over twenty years, and have taught across public, private, and charter schools. My teaching journey has led me through a maze of varying philosophies on instruction and pedagogy, and my current path has landed me in the role of public school reading teacher.

Early into my career, however, I was a 4th- through 6th-grade classroom teacher at an independent Montessori school. I continue to value much of what I learned through my Montessori training, as this century-old philosophy is still applicable today: focus on the emotional needs of the child, meet the children where they are in their development, and differentiate instruction based on each child’s needs.

Opposing Philosophies

Although I have been out of the Montessori classroom for nearly ten years, I still consider myself a Montessorian. The Montessori method greatly influenced my understanding of children and learning. It taught me to see each child as an individual with unique talents, challenges, and ways of exploring the world. Based on my experience, I whole-heartedly believe that fostering a child’s intrinsic drive to learn forms the foundation of a successful classroom.

I do consider myself an idealistic Montessorian, but I’m also an informed realist who follows current educational trends—and any teacher not hiding under their desk these last few years is aware that reading instruction has been trending toward the Science of Reading. This practice, informed by decades of research into how children learn to read, has been gaining popularity in the literacy community.

At first glance, the Montessori method and the Science of Reading appear to be opposing philosophies. The Montessori method is applicable to all disciplines, and places the focus on the whole child. The emphasis is not just on developing academic skills, but emotional, social, and physical skills as well. The Science of Reading, on the other hand, is based on systematic and explicit phonics teaching, and refers only to literacy instruction.

Despite the apparent differences between the two approaches, I have grappled with the question of whether I would be able to combine my idealistic Montessorian beliefs with the systematic approach of the Science of Reading.

Subscribe to Keep Reading

🔑 You’re one step away from unlocking premium content.
Subscribe now for just $15.99/year and get full access!
If you’re already subscribed, please .

Jillian Simons is a dedicated teacher with over 20 years of experience working with K–7 students as a classroom teacher and reading specialist. She has taught in private, charter, and public schools, and is deeply committed to helping emergent readers develop a lifelong appreciation for reading.

Education News

Planting the Seeds: 10 Tips to Inspire a Love of Reading in K–2

Teaching young children to read is one of the most powerful gifts we can give them. However, sparking a love of reading is what keeps that gift growing for a lifetime.

Cradles to Crayons® to Provide 250,000 Free Backpacks with School Supplies

C2C’s “Ready for Learning” initiative prepares children from head to toe, including clothing and backpacks in the Massachusetts, Chicagoland, and Philadelphia Tri-State regions.

Supporting New Pathways Into the Classroom

Flexible online certification programs are helping aspiring educators teach, lead, and make a difference.

PPC Members Inspire the Next Generation Through 2025 TICCIT Program

This year, the Paperboard Packaging Council reached over 7,500 students and planted more than 8,000 saplings across North America.

Join Our Newsletter

Get 10% off a subscription, monthly giveaways, and the latest updates—straight to your inbox!

Jillian Simons
Jillian Simons
Jillian Simons is a dedicated teacher with over 20 years of experience working with K–7 students as a classroom teacher and reading specialist. She has taught in private, charter, and public schools, and is deeply committed to helping emergent readers develop a lifelong appreciation for reading.

Advertisement

Read More

Planting the Seeds: 10 Tips to Inspire a Love of Reading in K–2

Teaching young children to read is one of the most powerful gifts we can give them. However, sparking a love of reading is what keeps that gift growing for a lifetime.

Breathe, Focus, and Learn: 3 Simple Exercises That Prepare Students for Academic Success

When practiced regularly, breathing techniques can become powerful self-regulation tools that serve students throughout their academic lives and beyond.

Cradles to Crayons® to Provide 250,000 Free Backpacks with School Supplies

C2C’s “Ready for Learning” initiative prepares children from head to toe, including clothing and backpacks in the Massachusetts, Chicagoland, and Philadelphia Tri-State regions.

Supporting New Pathways Into the Classroom

Flexible online certification programs are helping aspiring educators teach, lead, and make a difference.

Stories from the Stage: How Drama Education Shapes Global Citizens

Drama is far more than a performance-based art. It is a dynamic educational tool that improves students’ capacity to understand perspectives far removed from their own.

5 Essentials to Unwind This Summer

From cool beverages to portable must-haves and screen-free entertainment, these practical picks are here to help you relax and return to the classroom feeling refreshed.
lich thi dau futsal world cup 2021 | maplestory pocket slot | lo vip | sam loc bigkool | omni slot | igt slot games | jackpot strike casino | game bai doi thuong bay777 slot | casino royale | resorts international casino | ca sĩ giấu mặt | casino de veneza | ket qua 7 | bắn cá quay slot | code gunny mobi haiduong pro | xsmncnht | bướm số mấy | primal slot | xsmn 14 05 23 | de ve 02 | y8 hai nguoi | refurbished slot machines | casino slot | giờ reset cầu thủ | games dua xe dia hinh | 12vegas casino | casino 88 | giochi gratis slot | 888 slot | agen slot online terpercaya | let it ride casino game | quad cities casinos | electronic slot machines for sale | thử thách nghiệt ngã phần 2 | truc tiep oman vs turkmenistan | trò chơi pokemon miễn phí | bet888 casino | kí tự đặc biệt liên quân | coral casino review | thống kê giải đặc biệt tuần tháng năm | code oze | airbag slot | soi kèo malaysia vs | cascades casino | vortex casino | firekeepers casino 400 | dự đoán xổ số tài lộc | down zalo |