Learning to Read in the Montessori Studio

At Acton Academy Columbus, the journey to becoming a confident reader begins early—and joyfully. In our Montessori-inspired Spark Studio (ages 4.5–7), we take a holistic and hands-on approach to reading that supports every learner’s unique pace while fostering a genuine love of stories and language.

A Phonetic Foundation

Our reading journey begins with traditional, time-tested Montessori materials. Eagles work through the Pink, Blue, and Green Series, which introduce phonetic sounds in a logical, scaffolded way. These materials allow learners to progress from simple three-letter words to more complex blends and digraphs as they master each new skill.

Alongside these materials, we use a Reading Tracker to help Eagles—and their Guides—keep a clear view of progress. The tracker follows each child’s journey through letter sounds, phonograms, and books read, making milestones visible and motivating.

Reading is a Shared Experience

At Acton, reading isn’t confined to solitary moments. It’s a shared adventure. Each day, Eagles listen as their Guide reads aloud—this past year, they journeyed through a dozen Magic Tree House books and a wide variety of smaller early readers. Listening to chapter books builds vocabulary, imagination, and comprehension skills, even before a learner can read on their own.

Peer reading is another key pillar. Eagles often read to each other, practicing fluency and confidence in a safe, supportive environment. In a beautiful display of cross-age collaboration, learners from our older Growth and Discovery Studios visit Spark to read aloud to younger Eagles, modeling both literacy and leadership.

Reading Through Writing

Reading and writing go hand-in-hand at Acton. Every day, Eagles participate in a daily writing challenge. For some, it might be just a few words. For others, it’s a full sentence or short story. Over time, writing gets longer and more complex—building phonemic awareness, sentence structure, and vocabulary along the way.

The Results

The ultimate proof? This past year, eight Spark Eagles graduated to our Growth Studio—a major milestone that requires solid foundational reading skills. Reading ability is a key factor in determining readiness, and these graduates have demonstrated not only the mechanics of reading but also the love for it.

At Acton Academy Columbus, we believe that reading is more than a skill—it’s a passport to curiosity, independence, and lifelong learning. And it all starts with pink cards, storytime circles, and the magic of reading together.