Montessori children learn to identify sounds, not the name of every individual letter, in order to facilitate reading. The children use their tactile, visual, and auditory sense when using, for example, the sandpaper letters and the wooden alphabet. Even the youngest children are exposed to the sounds of the letters, rhymes, and songs that will accelerate that precious moment when they learn to read. When children master a sufficient number of sounds, they begin to write words using materials such as the “movable alphabet.” Older children work on their grammar, punctuation, and public speaking skills. Because reading and language skills are strongly correlated with the thinking process, books acquire an unquestioned importance at our school, even in a time where technology appears to be dominant.