{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Montessori handwriting","description":"The Montessori method is rooted in the idea that children can\u2014and should\u2014be empowered to do things on their own. On this episode of My New Life, we consider handwriting through a Montessori lens. But how much independence can we truly expect from a child who is forming words on paper for the first time? You may be surprised to learn that a toddler can start practicing handwriting as early as age 3. It all comes down to building the foundations through play! Host Jessica Rolph is joined by Julia Volkman, who wrote her thesis at Harvard on the moveable alphabet. Julia, founder of Maitri Learning, says writing comes online for developing brains before reading.    Takeaways: Julia points out that a child\u2019s capacity to understand letter sounds is there before their capacity to write them or read them. The Montessori moveable alphabet is extremely helpful in familiarizing children with how these sounds fit together. They move into place the tiles that make the sounds mmm \u2014 ooo \u2014 pp and, voila, they have a word! MOP.   The more a child succeeds at building these words, the more readily they will start to read, and then write\u2026 and over time, their spelling will refine. This is the gradual, organic process that happens when they have the right conditions and the materials to support their learning.   When it comes to handwriting, the physical aspects are often what we think about: for example, the muscular ability to hold the pencil. But there are also intellectual aspects like the desire to write \u2014 and knowing enough about the world around them to find inspiration.    Vocabulary and sequencing also play important roles. Vocabulary development comes naturally with your child\u2019s exposure to lots of songs, rhymes and books. Give them the words for everything \u2014 and remember to keep it playful!   Montessori uses lots of indirect preparation, like scrubbing and preparing food to strengthen hand muscles and coordination. You can also practice sequencing in the kitchen by laying out ingredients from left to right, in the order you will use them.   Mentioned in this episode: Brought to you by Lovevery.com Receive weekly emails about your child\u2019s development, and stay in the know about new play essentials, promos, and more by signing up at Lovevery.com Follow Lovevery and Jessica Rolph on Instagram   ","author_name":"My New Life","author_url":"https:\/\/lovevery.com\/","html":"