Dwyer Collection
We've pulled together a collection of key materials recommended in the Dwyer/AMI Montessori language approach. If your budget is tight, you do not have to buy a complete set of Vocabulary, 3-Part Cards, Books, or Definition card sets (scroll down to view). Instead, you can get a sampling of several packets of each now and build your resources up over time. If you can afford it, it is more economical to purchase the discounted complete sets. Then, you'll have all the materials you need to rotate themes in and out all year long.
For the Traditional (pink & blue) and Phonogram (green) Movable Alphabets, choose the font that matches your sandpaper letters. You just need two different solid color spelling alphabets (Blue, Black, and/or Red) and those can be in the print font.
Here's the list written out, in case that helps.
Pre-Reading- Spoken language: Materials in the environment
- Building Vocabulary/Increase of Vocabulary: Vocabulary Cards
- Preparation of the Hand: Metal insets, Sensorial materials, Practical life activities
- I Spy Sound Games: Materials in the environment
- Symbols for key sounds: Sandpaper letters: consonants, vowels, and phonograms/digraphs
- Free expression of thought: Movable Alphabets
- Learning to love books: Library corner
- Word level phonetic reading: Phonetic object box, Phonetic 3-part cards (Phonetic Reading Cards Level 1, Phonetic Reading Cards Level 2), Phonetic activity cards
- Word level phonogram reading: Phonogram object box, Phonogram 3-part cards (Phonogram Reading Cards: Traditional Phonograms, Phonogram Reading Cards: Other Phonograms), Phonogram lists, Little books
- Mastery of reading variations: Phonogram folders, Puzzle words
- Reading practice for inspiration/curiosity: Word Study, Classified reading (3-Part Cards, Definition Books, Definition Cards)
- Reading practice to raise awareness of the function of words: Function of Words/Grammar
- Reading practice to raise awareness of the structure of sentences: Reading analysis
- Free written expression: Stories, Letters, Written question game
- Understanding of punctuation/spelling: Solid color spelling alphabets (Red, Black, and/or Blue) used with the Phonogram Folders & Puzzle words
- Improvement of handwriting
- Appreciation of literature/dramatic arts
- Research (use of library, dictionary, etc.)
