To Whom It May Concern:

Both Montessori teachers and homeschooling parents will be delighted to know that MECS has developed software which *truly* reflects the teachings of Maria Montessori. I became aware of the MECS line of software at a recent Montessori conference which was held in Newport Beach, California in the spring of 1995.

The lessons are consistent with Maria Montessori’s Three Period Lesson. The software programs use the Three Period Lesson to insure that the child *fully* understands the concept introduced. (I have mentioned the Three Period Lesson in many of my books. Therefore, I was so pleased to finally discover a software program which has successfully implemented this method of teaching into a computer software program for children.) Montessori teachers, in particular, will be pleased to have programs which supplement and reinforce concepts introduced by the presenter.

I spent several hours reviewing their updated software curriculum. Every aspect of it is superb.  Parents now have a complete Montessori software curriculum of phonics, reading, math, science, and social studies for their young children. This will appeal to both the Montessori teacher looking for supplemental Montessori materials and the homeschooling parent who is searching for a Montessori software program which teaches instead of entertains children. Below is only a sampling of the fine programs this company offers.

Many parents of preschoolers are looking for Montessori consistent phonics/reading software. The MECS beginning phonics/reading modules offer the preschooler a relaxed atmosphere in which to study the alphabet, beginning sounds and phonograms. The child learns how to put the sounds together to form monosyllable words.

I also like how MECS has incorporated auditory discrimination in the Reading/Phonics Module 1. The clapping helps the child associate the short vowel of the three letter monosyllable word with the picture.  For example, the three sounds that form the word *rat* are broken down, and the child is requested to clap on the beginning consonant *r*, the short vowel *a* and the final *t*.  The child can also select mute and read the word like *jet* and drag it to the corresponding picture of a jet.  As they progress through the lessons, children see their patient, encouraging onscreen companion, Monty Sory.

The animation in the MECS programs assists the child in reading the words.  The matching picture aspect of the vowel ladder is particularly useful.  I was particularly impressed with how children can first practice listening to the blends like *ch* and *bl*, identify these blends, and then match each blend introduced to the corresponding picture that begins with that blend.  These exercises give the child confidence to read the words.

The telling time series is also very complete. The animation and the *no time limit* are sure to make children feel very relaxed.  Maria Montessori's Three Period Lesson is incorporated throughout the program. Period 1 - The child learns how the hour and minute hands make o’clock. Period 2 - The child sees three clocks, each clock is set at a different time. (For example, the time is displayed, the speaker says the time, and the child selects the one clock out of three which matches what the voice and visual clue are showing.  Period 3 - The child sees a clock and must identify the correct time.)  Subsequent lessons introduce the child to telling time to the half, quarter hour, etc.

The dinosaur program will provide hours of interesting, fun learning for both younger and older children. The three period lesson is used, featuring the names of the different dinosaurs. Children are also given different options so that they can independently study about a particular dinosaur if they so desire.  Children read information about a dinosaur and then have the opportunity of answering questions about the passage. The latter aspect of this program is particularly useful for older students.

Each program is beautifully designed and presented. An actual Montessori teacher’s voice guides the child along on his educational odyssey. Her tone of voice is calm, and encouraging, again consistent with the Montessori method of teaching. Consequently, children feel confident that they can proceed successfully at their own pace without feeling rushed.

Undoubtedly, one of the best tools a Montessori teacher can give her students or a home- schooling parent can give her child, is a set of software programs produced by MECS.  These programs provide the foundation the technologically oriented child of the 21st century needs.

Sincerely,

Heidi Spietz