Josiah ACE Phonics

Course Overview

Confident Readers is an accelerated weekend phonics pathway that compresses Josiah Montessori’s proven three-year language curriculum into a focused, term-by-term weekend program. Open to both current Josiah families and external students, this program uses small, mixed-readiness groups (capped at 8 children) to fast-track reading skills without losing individual pacing. Following Montessori’s "follow-the-child" philosophy, children progress based on genuine mastery of the materials rather than a rigid calendar timeline, building exceptional reading confidence one sound at a time.

Course Content

The pathway is structured into three progressive levels based on the classic Montessori reading sequence. Placement is confirmed via a friendly, play-based observation:

• Level 1: Foundation Sounds (Pink Series)

Focuses on phonic sounds a–z using tactile Sandpaper Letters, initial sound exploration, simple CVC word blending (e.g., s-a-t), early sight words, and language-building games.

• Level 2: Blending & Building (Blue Series)

Introduces consonant blends (e.g., st, ck, sm), word-building with the Large Movable Alphabet, sentence card exercises, early grammar (nouns), and their first independent graded readers.

• Level 3: Fluency & Grammar (Green Series)

Advances to complex consonant/vowel digraphs, longer reading passages to build stamina, comprehensive grammar study (verbs and adjectives), and introductory creative writing.

Learning Outcomes

By completing the full pathway, children will typically be able to:

• Identify all 26 letter sounds and write them with correct pencil grip and strokes.
• Decode and blend CVC words, advanced consonant blends, and vowel digraphs independently.
• Read short sentences and graded books smoothly with natural vocal expression.
• Utilize a strong bank of sight words and identify basic parts of speech (nouns, verbs, adjectives).
• Approach reading and creative writing with genuine curiosity, joy, and self-belief.

Teaching & Assessment Methods

• The Montessori Pedagogy: Taught using authentic hands-on, multisensory materials (Sandpaper Letters, Movable Alphabets, and object boxes) utilizing the classic "three-period lesson" framework.
• Stress-Free Observation: No formal written tests are administered. Progress is tracked continuously through gentle teacher observations during sessions.
• Parent Transparency: An individual Reading Progress Record is shared with parents at the midpoint and end of each 10-week term.

Prerequisites

• Age Range: 4 to 6 years old.
• Placement: New students must complete a brief, no-pressure placement observation prior to enrollment to ensure they start at the right level.
• Required Materials: A labeled water bottle, comfortable clothing for floor-based work, and socks (our classrooms are a shoe-free environment). All core learning materials, flashcards, and readers are fully provided by Josiah.

Important Notes

• Schedule: Sessions run for 75 minutes, once weekly, across a 10-week term.
• Small Class Sizes: Groups are strictly capped at 8 children to ensure customized, individualized instruction.
• Flexible Transitions: Children may move between levels mid-term at no extra charge if their learning pace calls for it.

Attendance & Makeup Policy

• 24-Hour Notice Required: To qualify for a makeup session credit, parents must notify us at least 24 hours in advance of the missed class. Failure to notify us within this window will result in a forfeited session.
• Term Limits: Students are eligible for a maximum of 2 makeup sessions per term. Makeup credits must be used within the current or immediate next term and cannot be rolled over indefinitely.
• Pro-Rating (New Students Only): Pro-rated payment is exclusively available to new joiners during their first term (up to a maximum of 2 sessions, arranged in advance). We do not offer pro-rated fees for returning students.
• No Refunds: All fees are non-refundable. We do not issue cash or credit card refunds for missed classes, cancellations, or withdrawals.