A conversation with Montessori educator and parent Nkemsinachi Agu
What if early reading didn’t have to feel rushed, pressured, or overwhelming?
In this LiveTalk, we sat down with Nkemsinachi Agu – a Montessori educator, parent, and creator of literacy resources – to talk about what it really looks like to support early reading at home. Through her story, she offers practical tips, a clear process, and most importantly, a whole lot of encouragement for parents who want to help their children love books for life.
This talk is available inside the Childhood Potential Club, where you can watch the full replay, get book recommendations, and explore more resources to support your child’s literacy journey and your confidence as a parent.
Helping Children Fall in Love with Reading… Without Pressure
Reading. It’s one of those milestones we all think about and sometimes stress about. Are we doing enough? Is my child falling behind? Do I need flashcards? (Spoiler: no.)
In our recent LiveTalk, we sat down with Nkemsinachi Agu, a Montessori educator and parent, to talk about how reading really unfolds in early childhood and how we, as caregivers, can support it without rushing or stressing.
Her story, like so many of ours, didn’t begin with a plan to homeschool or become an educator. She started in engineering. But after becoming a parent during the early days of the pandemic, she found herself drawn to Montessori and began rethinking what early learning could look like, especially at home.
A Simpler and Gentler Path to Reading
Nkemsinachi broke early literacy into three clear stages. Each one builds on the child’s natural curiosity and development.
- First is learning letter sounds, not just singing the alphabet but really understanding the phonetic sounds each letter makes.
- Next is practicing those sounds through everyday life. This can happen in casual conversations, during play, while reading together, or through hands-on activities like tracing or identifying letters on signs.
- Finally comes blending. This is the stage where children begin putting sounds together and realize they are reading. That realization builds confidence and excitement.
There is no need for pressure or perfection here. Just patience, presence, and a willingness to go at your child’s pace.
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Books That Spark Connection and Curiosity
Nkemsinachi also talked about how we can choose the right books for our children. Not every book is the same, and not every book speaks to every child.
She shared how to select titles that match a child’s developmental stage and interests. That includes realistic illustrations, simple sentence structures, and engaging textures or flaps for younger readers. For bilingual families, she offered helpful ideas for incorporating books in multiple languages without it feeling overwhelming.
The goal isn’t just learning to read. It’s creating moments of connection, curiosity, and joy.
Reading as a Tool for Lifelong Learning
One of the most important takeaways from our talk was the reminder that reading is more than a skill. It’s how children explore their world, ask questions, and learn to think for themselves.
Nkemsinachi encourages us to create environments where books are part of daily life. That might mean having a basket of books in the car, reading together at breakfast, or leaving books in different rooms so they are always within reach.
She also touched on the power of modeling. When children see us enjoying books, choosing stories based on interest, and talking positively about reading, it makes a difference.
It Starts with Observation, Not Obligation
Above all, Nkemsinachi reminds us that there’s no one “right” way to teach reading. When we observe our children, follow their interests, and offer materials that meet them where they are, we make space for something better than forced progress, we make space for joy.
Her approach is calm, clear, and deeply reassuring. It’s not about hitting milestones, it’s about nurturing a relationship with language and learning that lasts.
Meet Nkem Agu
Nkemsinachi Agu is the CEO & founder of The Montessori Home Education Academy. She is a Certified Montessori Educator and runs the Montessori Home Education Program plus short courses for parents of 0-6 year old’s. She is married with two beautiful children and is passionate about fostering the love of learning one family at a time!
