In an effort to improve literacy, there is a movement across North America focused on The Science of Reading. Although the Science of Reading is a new approach to reading in traditional education, Dr Montessori developed the principles over 150 years ago for application in Montessori early childhood (primary) and elementary environments. The Montessori approach, similar to the Science of Reading, emphasizes building foundational skills through a scientifically researched, structured, multi-sensory approach.