Supporting Struggling Readers Without Shame

Hannah Richardson
Aug 12
3 min read

How Montessori classrooms can use data-informed practice and compassionate intervention to support literacy while honoring the whole child

In Montessori education, we often say we “follow the child.” We observe carefully, adapt thoughtfully, and prepare environments where each learner can flourish at their own pace. But when it comes to literacy, following the child also means facing a hard truth: some children struggle to read — and without intentional support, those struggles can have lasting effects.

The challenge for Montessori guides is clear: How do we address reading difficulties without shaming the child? How do we use data and targeted intervention while still honoring the whole child and the principles of Montessori?

The answer lies in blending data-informed practice with compassionate intervention.

1. See Struggling Readers Through a Montessori Lens

A child’s reading difficulty is not a personal failure — it’s a piece of information. Just as we wouldn’t shame a child for needing more time with long division or botany classification, we must approach literacy challenges with curiosity rather than judgment.

Montessori classrooms already have the foundation for this:

Observation as a daily habit
Individualized work plans
Hands-on, multi-sensory materials
- These same tools can be used to detect and address literacy gaps early.

2. Use Data as a Compass, Not a Verdict

Data isn’t a label — it’s a map. Tools like running records, decoding inventories, or phonemic awareness checklists can tell us where a child is in their literacy journey. The Science of Reading research reinforces what Montessorians have always known: skills like phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension are interconnected.

In practice:

Schedule short, low-stress assessments that feel like lessons, not tests.
Look for patterns over time rather than reacting to a single data point.
Share progress data with the child when appropriate — in language they can understand — so they feel like a partner in their own learning.

3. Intervene with Compassion and Precision

When a child struggles, it’s tempting to add more practice of the same type, but struggling readers often need targeted, explicit instruction in the area of difficulty. This might mean short, daily phonics lessons, repeated reading for fluency, or vocabulary-building tied to their interests.

Key here is how it’s delivered:

Keep intervention sessions short, predictable, and positive.
Avoid pulling the child away from beloved work for “remedial” time — frame it as special, focused work that helps them grow.
Pair skills practice with meaningful reading — stories, science books, or cultural lessons that connect to their world.

4. Protect the Child’s Dignity

Shame thrives in silence and comparison. In a Montessori environment, we can minimize this by:

Using small group or one-on-one formats really helps children avoid shame.
Encouraging peer collaboration in ways that highlight each child’s strengths.
Celebrating growth in all its forms — not just speed or level — so children see themselves as capable learners.

5. Involve Families as Partners

Families often see the effects of reading struggles at home, but they may not know how to help without increasing pressure or anxiety. Invite them into the process:

Share clear, jargon-free updates on what’s being taught and why.
Offer concrete, home-friendly strategies (like sound games or shared reading) that align with Montessori principles.
Affirm their child’s strengths while discussing areas of growth, so the conversation stays balanced and hopeful.

The Big Picture

In Montessori education, literacy isn’t just about decoding words — it’s about accessing knowledge, expressing ideas, and engaging with the world. When we use data to guide us and compassion to connect with the child, we create an environment where struggling readers can grow without fear or shame.

Because in the end, our goal isn’t just to teach them to read.It’s to help them love learning, trust themselves, and know that their worth is never defined by a test score or a reading level.