DIY Montessori Movable Alphabet: Create an Engaging Alphabet Experience!

In a Montessori classroom, the movable alphabet is an essential tool that helps young children build words and sentences before they can write fluently.

Due to the high cost of commercially available sets, I've embarked on a journey to create a more affordable DIY version using readily available materials.

Lessons using movable alphabets: Montessori Movable Alphabet

Movable Alphabets are Very Expensive

In the Montessori classroom, children are taught to build words from the phonograms, that enable children to “write” words and compose sentences before they have developed good pencil grip.

Educational Application: Watch a tutorial video demonstrating how children use the DIY movable alphabet to form words and develop literacy skills.

Children learn to “write” and spell what they hear, thus start encoding words(spelling) before decoding words (reading).

The movable alphabets are made from wood or plastic, in prints or cursive. The wooden ones typically cost $100-$200 a set. They are very expensive!

Content
  1. Movable Alphabets are Very Expensive
  • Steps to Do it Yourself
  • Recommendations
  • FAQ: DIY Montessori Movable Alphabet
    1. What materials do I need to make a DIY Montessori Movable Alphabet?
    2. How do I ensure the letters are appropriate for Montessori learning?
    3. Can I use different languages or alphabets for a Movable Alphabet?
  • Steps to Do it Yourself

    I know there is no where I can afford this. I have decided to make them!

    1. First, I decided to make them from plastic because it looks like it’s easier to cut plastic than wood!
    2. Then, I bought this clip files from Jusco, CBE brand, RM2.80 each.
    Red fabric folder for storing Montessori materials.
    Storage Folder: Use a simple folder to store and organize your DIY, CBE brand - RM2.80
    1. I choose a cursive font of size 400, choose the setting to be only the outline(to save printer cartridge!) print out 10 copies for consonants, 15 copies for vowels. While watching TV or talking to my mum during one weekend, I cut this letters out and paste them on the files.
    1. Then I cut the individual letter out and cut them using a scissor to cut the outline and a blade for the inside. It took me 2 weekends to finish the cutting.
    Scattered set of red movable alphabet letters designed for Montessori literacy activities.
    Prepared Alphabet Pieces: Display all the red and blue alphabet pieces, ready for use in language activities. - cursive font of size 400
    1. These letters are stored in a tackle box right now, but I have asked my carpenter cousin to custom make a storage box to keep this letters.
    Collection of Montessori movable alphabet letters in blue and red, laid out on a table.
    Color-Coded Layout: Arrange the movable alphabet in a color-coded system to differentiate vowels and consonants, enhancing phonetic learning.

    I used up 6 red folders and 3 blue folders, cost RM25.20, a bottle of glue RM0.70, a brand new scissor from RM2 store, total cost of RM27.90, excluding the cost of three weekends of busy hands.

    This DIY project not only saves money but also adds a personal touch to your Montessori teaching materials. It's a fulfilling way to engage with your child’s education and create customized learning tools that meet their specific needs.

    Recommendations

    • Material selection: Opt for plastic over wood for ease of handling and cutting. Purchase inexpensive clip files in appealing colors to make the letters stand out.
    • Printing the letters: Use a cursive font at a large size, and print the outlines only to conserve ink. Prepare multiple copies depending on your needs, generally more vowels than consonants.
    • Preparation and cutting: While engaging in a leisure activity, such as watching TV, carefully cut out the letters. Use a combination of scissors for the outer edges and a precision blade for the inner details.
    • Storage solutions: Initially store your letters in a tackle box for easy accessibility. Later, consider asking a carpenter to create a custom storage box to keep everything organized.
    • Cost management: Keep track of all expenses, such as folders, glue, and cutting tools, to maintain a budget. The entire project can be completed at a fraction of the cost of commercial sets.

    FAQ: DIY Montessori Movable Alphabet

    • What materials do I need to make a DIY Montessori Movable Alphabet?

      You'll need cardstock or wood pieces, a printer or markers for the letters, paint if you wish to color the pieces, and a storage box to keep them organized. Choose durable materials that can withstand regular handling by children.

    • How do I ensure the letters are appropriate for Montessori learning?

      Each letter should be clear and easily recognizable, with a consistent font that's simple and without embellishments. Consider making consonants and vowels in different colors (commonly blue and red, respectively) to help distinguish them.

    • Can I use different languages or alphabets for a Movable Alphabet?

      Absolutely! The Movable Alphabet can be adapted for any language that uses an alphabet or a syllabary. Just ensure the characters are accurately represented and that they remain easy for children to handle and manipulate.

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    Chris Palomino

    Hi! I'm Chris Palomino, a B.S. in Psychology, and a mother of a precious one-year-old girl. Over the past eight years, I've been guiding children, particularly those aged 3 to 6 facing developmental and learning challenges, with a special focus on autism and ADHD.

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