Kindergarten Quarter Learning

Super Fun Mama is getting ready to have a revamp. My daughter is now in kindergarten and we have been doing evening lessons for enrichment. The following is what we have been working on as well as our plans:
Monday Math Day:
*Math Stories using numbers (3 little pigs, story of the six swans, story of the seven ravens
*Pracice writing numbers
*Learning Roman Numerals
* Montessori Math on the Computer
*#Verses Waldorf Style
*Waldorf Math Gnomes
*Montesori Math Counting Game
*playdoh numbers
*beanbag number fun
*Even/odd
Reading/Writing
*letter art
*Nonmenclature
*Copy work
Sciencje
*studying mammals
studying sun movement
making a sun clock
studying mushrooms
Handwork
*waldorf drawing
wet felting
fingerknitting
knot baby
wet on welt watercoloring
Stories Zhana came up with

Plan for This Week

*Much of plan based on abcjesuslovesme.com

Tuesday

• Sandpaper number 5: trace number to sandpaper. Cut out the number and glue to green board.
• Sandpaper letter G: trace a capital and lowercase letter onto the back of sandpaper. Cut the letters out and glue them to foam which has been glued to cardboard. Generally, consonants are mounted on pink cards and the vowels on blue ones.
• Play tangram game at http://www.apples4theteacher.com/tangrams.html or http://standards.nctm.org/document/eexamples/chap4/4.4/#applet
• Henry Mattise type collage
• Smell unplugged project

Wednesday

• Make a “G” poster. Paint with green, grey, or gold. Glue on items that start with G.
• Bible Story: 12 Spies in Canaan-Numbers 13-14: Comprehension Questions:
  Why were Caleb and Joshua not scared to go back to the Promised Land?
  Why were the other spies so scared to go back?
  What things frighten you?
  What can you do when you get frightened? (sing song, say memory verse, pray)
• Bible Song:  God Loves Kids 
  Tune: “Three Blind Mice”
  God loves kids (repeat 4x)
  He loves me more than I can know (cross arms over chest, point to self, point to head)
  I don’t know why He loves me so (shake head and shrug)
  I guess I’ll never, ever know (cross hands in front)
  Why God loves kids. (point up for God, cross arms over chest, point to self)
• Handprint tree and then glue on real leaves
• Waldorf Martinmass stuff at http://naturenest.wordpress.com/2009/11/04/martinmas-links-info-lanterns-poems-songs-stories/

Thursday

• Make a number 5 poster-Number:  5
  Put on a hat. Then take a dive. Make a big round tummy. Now that’s a five!
• Fine Motor Skill:Hide little beads in a large piece of Play Doh or putty.  Using their index finger, have your child find the beads.  Using their thumb is "cheating" and not working the weaker muscles.
• Character education poster-Thankful
• Indian dolls at http://jennwa.blogspot.com/2008/11/indian-dolls.html

·Friday song

• Tune:  Farmer in the Dell
  G says /g/
  G says /g/
  God gave them great big grapes
  G says /g/
• Put letters of name in order with extra letters added
• Make Leaf people
• Laura Numeroff activities
• Set up Autumn nature table

Saturday:

• Make Thanksgiving Lapbook (See 1+1+1=1)
• Felt turkey pattern sequencing like at Chasing Cherrios
• Felt slippers with a lot of mom’s help like at - http://rayreynolds.wordpress.com/2008/09/01/felt-slippers/

3 Part Cards and Nomenclature

3-Part Cards: Mostly for ages 3-6

This will be my first time using the 3-part cards. If a more experienced Montessori mom or someone trained in Montessori has something to add, I totally welcome it! As I understand it this is basically how they are presented-

As I understand it, you put the cards with the picture and label on one side. On the other side randomly put the other picture cards and labels. Pick on master card. Point to it and ask your child what the picture is of. Ask your child to find a picture like the one you are holding it. After it is found, put it next to the master card. While pointing to the label, sound out the word. Then read it clearly. Ask your child to find the word for the picture. The child will put the label below the picture. Go on to the other pictures

The Joy of Learning Blog has a great tutorial at http://www.joymontessori.net/2007/01/pre-reading-exercises.html

I’m thankful to the MyMontessoriJourney for explaining the difference between pink, blue, and green cards at http://mymontessorijourney.typepad.com/my_montessori_journey/2008/07/language--par-2.html

She explains that the "pink" work consists of CVC words, the "blue" work consists of words with consonant blends and short vowel sounds, and the "green" work consists of words with phonograms which include the long vowel pairs as well as the consonant digraphs (i.e. /sh/, /th/, etc).

I was very happy to read on the Montessori Free Fall blog a description of the difference between 3 way cards and nomenclature cards. She explains that they have a different part of the picture. For example, if you are doing plant nomenclature cards the set would include plant, stem, branches, leaves, root, and a blank card.

Here is a great resource for 3-part cards:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jojoebi/collections/72157603022772523/; In fact you can find many ideas by simply going to flickr and putting 3 part cards in the search box.

Montessori Mom has several links to 3-part cards here: http://www.montessorimom.com/montessori-free-printouts-downloads/

Montessori Candy has a wonderful tutorial for storing your 3-way-cards. You can read her post about it here: http://www.montessoricandy.com/2009/03/three-part-cards-revisited.html

If you are Catholic, The Bookworm has Rosary 3 way card faithboxes that you can read about here: http://ukbookworm.blogspot.com/2007/09/rosary-three-part-cards.html

She also has stations of the cross here: http://ukbookworm.blogspot.com/2008/02/stations-of-cross-three-part-cards.html.

Here are more:

http://www.maitrilearning.com/

http://homemademontessori.blogspot.com/2008/02/download-3-part-cards.html

http://blog.unitedteaching.com/2009/03/montessori-three-part-cards-body-parts.html

http://members.verizon.net/jbartlet/preschl.htm

http://www.montessoriforeveryone.com/Fractions-3-Part-Card-Sets_p_111.html

http://beautifulsunmontessori.blogspot.com/2009/03/3-part-cards.html

http://goodtreemontessori.wordpress.com/support-us/

http://ilovemontessori.com/montessori-parts-of-sea-animals-or-sea-life/

http://www.freewebs.com/homemademontessori/freedownloads.htm

What I plan to do is to look at the different Montessori stores and reproduce what they are selling.

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Nomenclature cards

• This site explains nonmenclature cards so well: http://www.montessoritraining.blogspot.com/2008/05/montessori-nomenclature-cards.html. She gives this explanation: “When making nomenclature cards, you will want to make at least two (and sometimes three) sets of the same material. One set is your control set, with the picture and label attached together. The second is the working set. The picture and label are separated and the child matches them. The third set can be used to make a definition booklet. The booklet is used after the child has mastered the nomenclature cards and is the template for the child to make their own definition booklet which he would color and label before taking it home”

Here are some more resources-

http://www.montessorimaterials.org/science.htm

http://montessorimom.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/01/montessori-3-part-nomenclature-cards.html

http://montessoristory.blogspot.com/2009/02/free-nomenclature-card-downloads.html

http://www.polestarmontessori.com/Science%20Nomenclature%20Cards.html

http://joymontessori.org/2007/05/montessori-pink-reading-nomenclature-cards/

http://blog.montessorimom.com/?p=332

http://blog.montessorimom.com/?p=330

http://www.montessoriforeveryone.com/Plant-Kingdom-Nomenclature-Cards_p_246.html

http://www.proprofs.com/flashcards/cardshowall.php?title=farm-animal-nomenclature

http://www.maitrilearning.com/downloads.html

I plan to make 3 part cards and will link to the files in the comment section below. If you have made some 3 part cards or nomenclature cards and would be willing to share, please post in the comments section below. Also, if anyone would be interested in a 3 part cards/nomenclature swap party let me know!

Homemade “Metal” Insets

A few months ago I posted about metal insets here.  I decided to make a different version, using more shapes and hopefully a bit more like it is supposed to be.  Mine are not individually removable like they should be but I may actually like this version better as they stay all together.

Here are what the real insets look like.

I started by using a piece of Elmer's foam board, like is used for science fair presentations.  Next, I downloaded the shape templates from here and printed them out.  Using a utility knife, I traced over the outline of the shapes onto the foam board.  After I had the shape pressed into the foam board, I cut the shapes all the way out.  After they were cut out, my daughter and I painted the removable pieces and the frames 2 different colors.  I then glued small rocks as pulls onto the pieces.  This isn’t working well, however, as the rocks keep coming off.  I will have to replace these with something that works better.  To remind me of the correct steps, I glued some instructions to the other side of the foam board.  I like this because it folds up and is easy to store.  What I do not like is that the foam board doesn’t allow for as clean lines as wood or metal would.  I also am not happy with the pulls.  For now, however, it works well.  I do have plastic ones of square, circle, and triangle that I will continue to use for now as well. 

The frames are in one color and the inset shapes are  in another. Colored pencils should be provided. The teacher places the frame exactly over the square of paper, showing the child that no paper can be seen around the edge of the frame. Next, the teacher draws around the shape. She then removes the shape and lets the child see the drawn shape. Next, she uses a different colored pencil and fills in the drawing with light parallel lines from side to side. takes one pencil and draws around the shape. She removes the frame and lets the child look at the drawn shape. She changes for the second pencil. She fills in a small part of the drawing with light straight parallel lines that go exactly from one side of the drawing to the other.

So…what are metal insets for? 

As explained by Nienhues Montessori: “Dr. Montessori analyzed the movements which are connected with writing and developed the Metal Insets for directly preparing the child for handwriting.The Metal Insets exercises strengthen the three finger grip and coordinate the necessary wrist movements.The exercises also advance proficiency in lightness of touch and evenness of pressure through drawing activities.”

Here is a  video of a child using metal insets-

Montessori Knobbed Cylinders-I Finally Bought Some; Review of ebay seller Brainy Bambini

**Please note this is my second post today.  I also posted how to make your own spindle boxes.

A few months ago I discussed Knobbed Cylinders at a post you can view by clicking here.  I usually try to make most of my own Montessori materials to save money, but there are just some tools that can’t be reproduced and need to be purchased.  One of these items are the Knobbed Cylinders.

I looked at just about every store out there and even posted on Montessori bulletin boards, trying to find the best deal out there.  Finally, I decided to try an ebay seller by the name of Brainy Bambini. 

I am happy to report that I am extremely satisfied with my order from this seller.  I went with the smaller version of the Knobbed Cylinders, since you get more for your buck.  I’ve looked online and haven’t found any reason to choose full size over the smaller version.  My order came with FOUR blocks, 5 cylinders each.  Here are the details-

Block 1: The cylinders increase in diameter and height.
Block 2: The cylinders increase in diameter. The height remains the same.
Block 3: The cylinders increase in diameter and decrease in height.
Block 4: The cylinders decrease in height and diameter remains the same.

I was able to purchase these for $20 and with a $15 shipping price.  I haven’t been compensated or offered any kind of deal from this seller. I was just so happy with this purchase that I wanted to post about it so everyone else can know that there is a good deal for Knobbed Cylinders out there.  For comparison, look at some other prices for Knobbed Cylinders-

afok-toys: $150.00

alisonsmontessori: $170.00

Montessori N Such: $170.00

and so on…..

These blocks are beautiful, well made, fit perfectly, shipping was quick.  I’m so happy that I found this deal! We’ve had them for a few months now but keep forgetting to post about these.  Zhana loves this activity.

Here is a link to Brainy Bambini-Click here

Make your own Montessori Spindle Box/Teaching Zero

Zhana has mastered being able to visually recognize numbers 1-10 and is able to count to 10. Therefore, the next step for us is counting actual objects.  Montessori Spindle Boxes help to teach the meaning of zero and that numbers can represent quantity of objects. 

Making a spindle box was really quite easy.  I simply used one plastic tub.  I chose a tub part of a 3-tier set, as I liked the idea of it having a set place and I plan on using the other 2 tubs for additional Montessori activities. I think I finally figured out a way to store our school learning materials.  I have priced the low shelves that wrap around a room and all I’ve seen are several hundred dollars.  I think I’ll buy these tubs as needed and stack them on top of each other.  At SuperFunMama we do Montessori the poor mans way, lol. 

After choosing the tub, I took 2 pieces of foam, cut it down to fit the spindle box and wrote out the numbers 0-9.  Next, I cut strips of cardboard to fit the plastic tub.  I used strips from a clean Pizza box.  Using a hot glue gun, I glued them to the bottom of the plastic tub.  Next, I added popsicle sticks to be used as the counters.  Mine obviously isn’t as pretty, but it does the job. In my defense, it doesn’t look as bad in person as it does in the photo.  I think it has to do with the view I took the photo from. 

 

So…my spindle box was FREE. Even if I hadn’t had any of the materials it would have been very cheap.  Online I priced Spindle boxes at $50.00!

  Real Montessori Spindle Box vs..

Homemade Montessori Box

Okay, so you’ve made your Spindle Box. Now, we’ll cover how to use the Spindle Box. 

1. Have the compartments empty of the popsicle sticks. 
2. Sit in front of the spindle box with your child.
3. Point out the number zero to your child and briefly explain it such as "This is zero. This is how we write zero. Zero means 'nothing,' so we do not put anything in this compartment."
4. As you go through each spindle, ask the child what the number is that you are pointing to. Once you have a correct response, have your child place the correct number of popsicle sticks into the compartments. 
5. Your child should now do the exercise alone.  Your child can do this exercise alone and will be able to check their work, according to if they have enough spindles to fill all of the compartments correctly. 

Here is a link to a fantastic explanation of how to use Spindle Boxes:

I have found a few extensions of the Spindle Box such as placing the wrong amount in compartments and having your child spot the mistake and feeling/counting spindles with eyes closed. 

Once the spindle box is mastered, children can move on to other counting exercises.  Remember, never use toys to count in Montessori.  If objects are used as both play items and in counting, they are less likely to be seen as a symbol (DeLoache, 2000). 

The Zero Game

(See 'Discovery of the Child' Maria Montessori p.269-270)

The parent asks a child to come towards her 'zero' times. If the child comes toward you say, "But I asked you to come 'zero' times…Zero is nothing… you must stay  still and do nothing! You must not move. You must not come even once. 'Zero' means no times at all!"

When the child begins to understand, the parent asks the child to do other activities zero times such as blowing kisses.  Then the parent teases the child a bit such as saying, “Why are you sitting still? I asked for zero kisses.” The child may explain “Zero means nothing, so I didn’t blow you any kisses.” The adult may then reply, “Oh I see, zero means nothing.”

**I’ll be having 2 posts today.

Montessori Phase 1: Part 3: Stereognostic bags

Stereognostic bags: This is basically a bag with pairs of wooden shapes. I'm wondering if this tool lacks consistency because different stores have different numbers of pairs of the wooden shapes (some have 8 and others have 10 sets). However, in the Gettman book, 3 different bags are mentioned. Bag 1 is twenty wooden blocks: 10 cubes and 10 rectangular prisms. Bag 2 is 16 buttons with 4 3 cm in diameter, 4 2.5 cm, 4 1.8 cm, and 4 1.5 cm. Each 4 is supposed to be a slightly different shape. Bag 3 has 16 beads with 4 small with large holes, 4 the same size as the first set but with small holes, 4 elongated, and 4 very small. The child puts on a blindfold. For the first bag, they basically use the sense of touch to seperate into piles of cubes or rectangles. The same procedure is used for bags 2and 3 with the child seperating according to touch with their blindfold on. This tool really does seem to lack consistency as several stores have completely different looking wooden blocks. I'd be interested in hearing a Montessori teacher explain this tool a bit more. If the basic idea is to use the sense of touch to match shapes then this definitely looks like a tool that could easily be made, rather than purchasing. For now, I'll be using sets of wooden blocks that we already have. If you want to purchase, it is definitely one of the cheaper tools. For example, at http://www.alisonsmontessori.com/Mystery_Stereognostic_Bag_p/s23.htm it sells for $10.00.

Montessori Period 1: Part 2

Technorati Tags: Montessori

**BTW, continuing from yesterday; I found an alternative to the cylinder blocks!! This very smart mom discovered that she could use rollers to mimic the cylinder blocks! Yeah!

Continuing from yesterday's post...

Color Tablets: This helps the child perceive colors, including differences in hues and intensities. It also indirectly helps prepare for visual arts. These are so easy to make, I feel it is really unnecessary to buy them. I especially like this moms homemade color tablets. Simply go to a home improvement store, get some paint chips (2 of each color). I've also heard of using embroidery threat wound around a flat spool. For Box 1, start with 3 matching pairs of red, yellow, and blue. You place the tablets in a random arrangement on a mat. Select one tablet and place it near the front of the mat. Simply match. Say something like "These 2 tablets are the same color." Go through all. Then allow the child to try. Box 2/3 really shouldn't be introduced until period 2, but I feel box two is pretty easy and most will move on from it quickly. Box 2 should be eleven pairs of red, yellow, blue, green, orange, purple, pink, brown, white, grey, and black. Box 3 has 9 sets of 7 tablets each. Each set shows seven different intensities of one hue. For box 3, take one of the sets and put them in random arrangement. Select the darkest of the 7 tablets. Find the next lighter and so on. Continue until all 7 are completed. Then allow the child a chance to try. There are additional exercises using the color tablets that I'll cover in the future. (Note the pic below is not set up correctly).

Presentation tray of the Geometric Cabinet: This tool is to help develop visual/tactile perception. Also preparing for writing, function of the symbols, preparation for math, learning shape names, and etc. Drawer 1 has ellipse, oval, curvilinear triangle, quatrefoil; Drawer 2 has equilateral triangle, right angle isosceles triangle, obtuse angle isosceles triangle, acute angle isosceles triangle, right angle scalene triangle, obtuse angle scalene triangle. Drawer 3 has rhombus, parallelogram, trapezoid, trapezium. Drawer 4 has square and 5 successively narrower rectangles. Drawer 5 has pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, nonagon, decagon. Drawer 6 has circle and 5 successively smaller circles. There are 3 sets of white Geometric Cabinet cards for every shape in the cabinet. I found a good tutorial for making the cabinet at this site. Basically you need two pieces of yellow craft foam (A4 size), 1 dark blue craft foam (A4 size), 6 brass paper fasteners, PVA glue, and the template links which I'll post below. The Geometric Cabinet Inset Templates are from jmjpublishing here. Here are the other templates: solid, thick outline, and thin outline. Basically you do the following:

Print out the templates for each tray you are making. Just worry about cutting out the shape part. Arrange on a piece of yellow foam that is laying horizontally. Trace around with a pencil. With a sharp small knife cut out the shapes (Keep the cut out shapes for 3 part cards). Take blue foam (horizontal also) and put the yellow cut out section on top. Carefully trace the shapes. Cut out the shapes. Flip the cut out foam and add glue. Glue to the other piece of yellow foam. Let it dry. Now with your fasteners, push through the blue shapes. These are your knobs. This sure does beat $300 doesn't it? Basically, here is how you do the activity-

A stack of form cards are laid upside down, in random order. A card is turned over. The child traces the shape with a finger. The child then walks over to the cabinet. The correct shape is located. The shape is placed on the card. The process is repeated…

Sensitizing the Fingers: This should always be done before working with touch boards.

Basically the fingertips of the writing hand is placed in and soaked into water for a bit. They are dried off with a towel.

Touch Boards/Rough and Smooth Board:Board 1: Simply put a square of cardboard onto some foam or other smooth type material. When showing your child, stroke and say rough or smooth on the appropriate areas. Board 2: Cut strips of 5 different grades of sandpaper. Put them on another sheet of the smooth paper, equal distance apart. Trace all strips with fingers from top to bottom. Invite child to feel the board. Say rough and smooth in the appropriate areas.

Geometric Solids: There are 9 shapes: rectangular prism, triangular prism, cube, cone, pyramid, cylinder, sphere, ovoid, and ellipsoid. Some of these shapes can be found on your house to START talking about them but for the actual exercises it is probably best to go ahead and buy a set. Napkin rings can be used for the bases. The first part is just basically feeling the different solids. Next, you might work on naming the different solids. You can have children look for similar in their environment, blindfold and identify by name, use in a mystery bag, categorize (those that have a point, those that roll, and etc.), There are many more activities. Also there are cards that can go with this project. I found some foam geometric solids here for $28.00; I would love the wood, but it just isn't in my budget so this will work great for now. Also here are some natural wood ones for $21 that could be painted blue, napkin rings could be used for stands, and you could download the cards. They cards are also available there for $5.00.

Montessori Period 1: Part I

So, from what I understand these are the first things you should work with your child on using Montessori. However, as most readers know, I do not follow the steps, per say. I will admit that I've tried and it has led to frustration for both myself and my daughter. I like the lessons but feel the steps are just too much. HOWEVER, I do believe some precision is good. (For example, when doing pouring beans work I do focus on if a bean is spilled but rather ignore the other TWENTY-SIX steps to pouring. So...I'm going to share with you how we basically do the following....

PERIOD ONE
Practical:
- Dry Pouring between two jugs-Basically on a tray I present my daughter with two little pitchers on a tray. The tray on the right has beans in it. I start by showing her how to pour the beans in the other pitcher several times. Then I let her practice pouring the beans. If a bean spills (in a nice voice (I feel like harshness or criticism will lead to a dislike of learning) that may even be a little funny I say "Uh-oh we spilled a bean! Why don't we try again. Let's try to keep that silly bean in the pitchers."
- Opening and closing containers: I already covered this in a previous post but here it is again: This is a great activity for our little toddlers. Really, all you need to do is collect several items that the little ones can practice opening and closing. Try to get as many different kinds of lids and jars as possible (screw on, pry open, and etc..). Begin by introducing the basket of different jars to your child and showing them how to open the jars (grasping the lid with your dominant hand while your other hand holds the bottle for example).What I want my daughter to learn from the open/close activity is just that-to open and close! Basically, to help her developing little motor skills and to increase independence. I think showing her the bottles, showing her how to open them, and then letting her explore with them is enough.Often, I put a little something inside of the jars. Again, that may not be the usual way of doing this activity. However, I find that if I put some stickers, playdough, or a small book inside of the jars she is more likely to stay with the activity and enjoy it more.the containers I have inside of the basket (of course all containers are empty of product and have been washed): beauty cream container with screw on lid, empty nail polish bottle, baby food container, empty aromatherapy bottle, jewelry box with snap lid, coin purse that snaps, zip coin purse, box with lift off lid, miniature canning jar, travel soap box, film canisters, clear plastic trading card holder. Again, this is something very easily made yourself. It was one of the first Montessori activities I introduced.
- Dressing Frames:Buttoning: These are a pretty cheap Montessori item to buy from a Montessori store but if you want to make them it is simple. Simply purchase some frames from a $1 store. Staple on an old child's shirt. It's as simple as that. Start by showing your child how to undo the buttons all the way down. Pay attention to holding the button in your right hand and the fabric in your left hand. Tilt the button a little and slide it through. Next, simply show your child how to button. Next, let the little one have a try.

-Sweeping:Several books recommend sweeping up sawdust. I put this activity off for a long time because I don't have sawdust readily available. Instead we use other objects such as beans, rice, or confetti. Start by gathering the following materials: a child sized broom, dustpan and brush, small container of confetti ( or other material), and a wastebasket. I draw a square on our tile kitchen floor, rather than using tape. The square indicates to her where she is aiming the objects being swept up. I tell her "Watch me sweep it. Watch close and then you can have fun sweeping." When showing her how to sweep, my strokes are rather slow and deliberate: down, L to R, and then up. Then, I show her how to sweep it into the dustpan and dump it in the trash. (This step is normally 34 steps so this is much shorter but my point is to teach her independence and it this has worked well for us in achieving this goal). Oh I almost forgot-afterwards she cleans up the chalk using a wet mop. Remember the big thing in this activity is teaching the child independence. My daughter loves to do this! We don't have the most "Montessori Appropriate broom" as we have this Leaps and Bounds broom that talks. However, it is the perfect size.

Handling A Book: This lesson is basically about grace and caring for/respecting books. Basically have 5 hardcover books on a bookshelf with their spines facing outward. Tell your child-"Watch me carefully and then you can have a turn. I'm going to remove a book." Indicate the book you like by touching its spine and say "I'd like to look at this book." Using your thumb and index finger, pinch the top of the books spine, pull it downward, and then firmly grasp it. Lay the book down on a table quietly, making no sound. Look at the book a little. Show the child how to gently feel the corner to make sure only one sheet has been grabbed. When done indicate, "I think I'm done with this book and I will put it away." Simply put it away with grace in a vacant spot. Now let your child know it is their turn. Believe it or not there are ALOT more steps to this one--but I just see it as unnecessary. I feel, but again am no expert, that if you show the child how to remove the book with grace, it should be enough. I basically just pay attention that they remove the book gently, put it on the table silently, and place it back neatly. During this time I talk with her about how wonderful books are and how we should always respect them so that they say nice and we might always enjoy them.

Saying Thank You:Out of any skill, I most want my child to be courteous. I can not stand it when I child doesn't say thank you, excuse me, or etc. Currently, she does a really good job with courtesy work. Seriously, I'd rather her be courteous than know any letters, numbers, and etc. I will admit that I do judge a person's character somewhat based on their level of courtesy. If I say thank you and a "Your Welcome" is not returned, I will likely remember the incident. We don't work on this too much now because it is mastered but I simply started by handing her objects and when she received them saying, "Please say thank you when someone hands you something". Then I went on to show how to thank someone when they say something nice/do something nice for you. Consistency is the key.

Walking The Line: This is helpful in both developing balance and quieting the mind. Use tape to make an eclipse with 2 straight sides and 2 curved edges. We have our line permanent on a floor of our home guests do not see. I play some calm music while walking the line. The first step is normal walking. When this is successful move on to teaching them to walk heel to toe. Step 3 involves carrying objects in this sequence: hand flag/bell---glass of water---2 different objects from this list--all of the above with a basket on head.

Silence Game: We definitely do not have this game down pat and any suggestions are welcome! You start by telling your child you are going to play the silent game, that their body has to be quiet and they can't talk. Have them listen for quiet noises like breathing, birds chirping, and etc.

Cylinder Blocks: This helps with visual discrimination of size, prepare for writing, and developing math ability. Wow, these are so expensive to buy!! We still don't have any yet. (On sale right now at a store they are $85, marked down from $105.00). Since we have never used them, I can't say much about them. I did find these for only $15.00; They aren't the same thing but it seems somewhat close at least. I think a socket set could be used to mimic this activity but I'm still trying to figure it out.

Pink Tower: First, I don't really get why THE pink tower beats other similar towers out there such as this one for $15 instead of $60+ for a true pink tower. The only thing I can think of is extension work with the brown stair. I'm even cheaper than this though, people. I feel like we already have enough stacking/size sorting toys. I found a download for the pink stair, where you prink out the pattern and fold into box shapes. If interested, the pattern is here. I really am not sure yet, what to think about this one.Anyway, the idea is to help the child to judge sizes, fine motor control, mathematics foundation, and some language. I simply have her build the tower. If it is incorrect, it will fall down. See, this is why I don't see why you HAVE to have a pink tower. Whether it is a paper tower or a $60 perfect pink tower, they both fall down if not build correctly...Sorry but some Montessori things seem a little "culty" and not so much about the actual learning of concepts.

Paper Pink Tower Vs. Wooden Pink Tower; Hmmm...practically free vs.. $60. Is it that much different? Now...of course if I had a lot of money I'd go with the $60. But in the meantime I'll stick to the knock off version or paper version. Probably the knock off version because obviously it holds up better...
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Music, Letters, Animals, Insets, Balloons, and More

MEGAPHONE:

The first thing we did was to make a megaphone. This is a very simple project with a big payoff for your little ones. Simply trace a large circle on poster board. Cut the circle out and then cut it in half, making two half circles. Roll one half circle together at the straight edge to make a cone shape. Seal it with tape and then cut the small end off for the mouth. It's almost guaranteed your little one will have fun playing with it.

PLAYDOUGH B'S:

Our letter of the week was B. Was practiced making play dough B's.

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom:

We printed off this Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Tree, colored it, and then made our magnetic alphabet letters climb the tree. We still have a few more activities we want to complete in this theme. This is the theme over at TinyTots, be sure to check out her blog for more activities.

Act Like Animals:

We had fun acting like different animals. Here my daughter is pretending to be a turtle and kitty cat.

Porcupine Play Dough

For this project the little one just makes a ball and then sticks objects in the round play dough. It is supposed to be tooth picks but I couldn't find any, so we used crayons instead.

Montessori Style Geometric "Metal" Insets Kinda/Sort:

Okay, before strict Montessori mommies cringe, this is not exactly, okay not even really close to the proper Montessori Metal Insets. So, I'm going to start by telling you about the correct insets and then our style we did. The correct has

Ten geometrical shapes in metal or plastic. The frames are in one color and the inset shapes are in another. The squares of colored paper are cut to fit the frames exactly. Colored pencils in a box of 48+ colors should be provided. The teacher places the frame exactly over the square of paper, showing the child that no paper can be seen around the edge of the frame. Next, the teacher draws around the shape. She then removes the shape and lets the child see the drawn shape. Next, she uses a different colored pencil and fills in the drawing with light parallel lines from side to side. takes one pencil and draws around the shape. She removes the frame and lets the child look at the drawn shape. She changes for the second pencil. She fills in a small part of the drawing with light straight parallel lines that go exactly from one side of the drawing to the other.Then, the child is allowed. Here is a pic of how the real ones look- Our version was really a very quick and non precise attempt. We've been sick this week. For the square I used a little frame that I have and popped out the glass. I think it works good. The oval is one of those magnets where the inside can be removed. We also did a triangle out of cardboard. We didn't use colored pencils because I forgot. Can anyone tell me why you must used colored pencils? For proper insets here is a good place to download the shapes and cut out of cardboard.

Bubble Wrap Dance:

Next, we laid out some bubble wrap and simply danced on it. I took this time to introduce different types of music and discover her likes/dislikes. Her favorite types of music were Jazz and Fiesta Mexico-style music. (She also had fun playing with a flashlight during this time).

Practical Life: Washing Dishes

She always enjoys washing dishes...I really hope this hobby continues, lol!

Painting the Letter B:

I gave her a wooden letter B and let her paint it. We are decorating all the letters of the alphabet to go up in her room. This one isn't being painted yellow and black, as in a bumble bee. The letter A was done in green with red apples.

Balloon Fun:

Lots and lots of fun with a balloon. (Note: Almost everyone knows to watch their children carefully but just in case I want to remind everyone that children can die if they swallow balloons).

We were sick most of the week so didn't come near to meeting our curriculum goals for the week, but at least it makes next weeks planning easier!

Monday's Toddler School Events

I'm a little late posting this but thought I'd share some of what we did for school time on Monday. Our physical play was baby basketball, which was just throwing bean bags into a basket. You can see she her playing above. I was surprised that she didn't stick with it very long, though. She preferred to throw the beanbags in the air, rather than in the basket. However, it was close to naptime and she is very defiant when sleepy. For music, I taught her the fingerplay "Caterpillar Song". We are focusing on the letters B and C, so we've also been looking at butterflies and caterpillars. Here's the lyrics to the song:

One little caterpillar crawled on my shoe,Another came along and now there are two.Two little caterpillars crawled on my kneeAnother came along and now there are three.Three little caterpillars crawled on the floor.Another came along and then there were four.Four little caterpillars watch them crawl awayThey'll all turn into butterflies some fine day.

Our Montessori focus activity was opening/closing drawers. The child practices closing a drawer until they can do so without making any noise. She liked doing this and did it quite well.

The picture above shows her playing in her "Indoor Sandbox". I dumped some rice into a plastic bin and let her have fun. She LOVES any of these type of exercises and will spend more time doing them than any other toy or activity. She practiced spooning the rice and pouring it between cups.

We did try to play hide the beanbag but it wasn't a hit. She hasn't shown any interest in hide and seek type games.

She has always loved brushing her teeth and since it is Dental Care Month I thought we'd focus a little more on it. Like I said, she's been brushing her teeth since before she turned one but I worry she doesn't do a good job and she won't let me brush them for her. The research I've done has said to let her brush if possible--but I worry about her not doing well enough and her teeth decaying. People say, what's the big deal-they are just baby teeth. Sorry, but I don't want her going around with cavities for the next several years. Hopefully genetics will come into play-my husband nor myself have ever had a cavity. Now here comes one of my little mommy secrets-you know the areas that you don't want to write about on a mommy blog. Just the type of thing Nanny 911 would be talking to you about. Okay...here goes...confession time. I let my daughter go to sleep with a sippy cup of milk. I've tried stopping her cold turkey but eventually gave in. I've tried diluting it down or just adding water and she just threw the cup across the room and screamed "milk". So our big focus for dental care this week is going to be getting the sippy cup away. I'm embarrassed to admit that I let her do this. Some of you know she has sleep problems and I think that the desire to get sleep led to this decision. Please don't judge too harshly. However, I will say that she does not leave any milk in her mouth and doesn't go to sleep with the sippy cup in her mouth. She takes it to bed, drinks it as she is falling to sleep, removes it, and then goes to sleep. Therefore, really how is it any different than having a glass of milk before going to bed?

We did a letter B box which was just a box filled with objects that start with the letter B-balloon, banana, ball...

For our Chicka-Chicka Boom Boom Activity we watched some videos at You Tube.
BooksChicka-Chicka Boom Boom. The first one my daughter's favorite. I liked it too.






Be sure to check back tomorrow. We will have Chicka-Chicka Boom Boom activities all 5 days this week. I participate in Teaching Tiny Tots weekly reading challenge and this is the book for this week. The link to the challenge is http://teachingtinytots.wordpress.com/2009/02/02/reading-theme-challenge-chicka-chicka/.

This Week In Review

It's hard to remember everything we've done this week. It has been a busy, hectic, and stressful week but we did still manage to have a lot of fun. I doubt I can remember everything we did this week and didn't blog as much as I'd hoped to...but here we go...

She spent a lot of time practicing her transfer skills. Seriously, if you need a few minutes for a little down time to read, watch TV, or fold laundry-this is such great Montessori inspired activity. Like I've said before, there are several steps involved in true Montessori but we don't really do it that way. Simply hand your kiddo 2 bowls. The one on the left is filled with sugar, rice, beans, or whatever would be could for using a spoon to transfer. Then hand little one a spoon and instruct them to spoon the material from one bowl to the next. She spent a lot of time on this and pouring this week.

My daughter spent a lot of time playing with her Operation Silly Skill game. While this game is an absolute BLAST it is really great for developing fine motor skills. Children use the tweezers to extract strange items from Cavity Sam and this develops muscles required for pencil grasp. With all of our "learning toys" when you stop and think about it...is there anything better than operation for fine motor skills? I have to tell you that I did NOT think of Operation of anything more than a fun game but it is so wonderful for this purpose. Furthermore, it is a great game for toddlers who do not put items in their mouth as reading isn't required for this version, nor do you have to count money. There isn't a lot of strategy of understanding of rules either, other than removing the pieces without the buzzer going off. I like that it can be used for YEARS to come. This version is a little different than the original Operation game in that it is sillier sounds and kids who enjoy body humor are sure to get a laugh out of it,

She had a lot of fun sneaking into the bathroom and putting lotion all over the room and herself involved in a sensory activity involving lotion. She has drove me crazy washing her hands nonstop this week has done a great job mastering hand washing this week. Seriously, she has really gotten obsessed with hand washing this week, but I think it is so she has an excuse to get to the lotion because she loves "ocean" as she calls it. Still, I am proud that she really learns hygiene and manners quite easily.

She did learn how to weave this week. If you'd like to try this with your toddler, it is extremely easy. Simply cut a border around a piece of construction paper, leaving vertical pieces. Have two other colors of construction paper. Hand the pieces to your child and instruct them how to weave over-under and so on.

My silly girl enjoyed applying stickers to her eyes for a laugh...

Frequent readers of this blog will note that my daughter loves bubbles. For a craft this week, we made a bubble bottle. Simply fill a soda bottle one third full of water. Add a few drops of dish soap and a few drops of food coloring. Close the bottle tightly. Then simply shake, shake, shake.

As part of our Tinytots reading challenge, we did a snowman puzzle. I'll post more on this when I do my post tomorrow about this challenge (but we spent a lot of time learning about snow this week).

She also tried to complete this wooden apple puzzle. It was too difficult for her (truth be told, it was almost too difficult for me). However, she did have fun arranging the blocks in her own way.

We spent this week learning about taking turns. The Noodleboro theme park game is great for this. I love the game so much, I have a separate post about it coming up soon.

As I mentioned before, this week was very stressful. My daughter has sleeping problems. I've brought this up to the pediatrician several times before, but I'm going to get forceful about it. Last week, she was up until 2:30 am at least every day and one day all the way until 6:30 am. I feel like this is very concerning and should be taken more seriously than it is. Every night we do a structured bedtime routine, no caffeine is allowed, and etc.. I've read probably every book there is about sleeping problems in children--at times things work for a bit but within a few days we are back to where we started. When my daughter only wakes up once night, it is a BIG deal for us because it is nothing for her to wake up 5+ times a night. So, for 2.5 years we've all been sleep deprived basically. Right now, I'm still up at 2:00 am because I slept until noon after being up with her until 4:00 am...so our sleep patterns are very off. Anyway, last week was one of the WORST when it comes to her sleeping, therefore I was so stressed. Then, because she was so tired, her behavior was horrible. I remember reading a child development book long ago that stated right before/after a learning surge behavior and sleep difficulties can occur. The week before I was amazed by how many new words and skills she was picking up. Maybe this is the explanation...

Okay, now to explain the picture above. I'm been wanting to learn felting for so long. I've especially wanted to learn it to make items for my daughter's nature table. So, this week I got my supplies and decided to wet felt and bowl. It did not turn out at all. It completely fell apart and I ended up giving it to our cat to play with. I've going to continue trying to learn this. We'll see if I end up with anything or if my cat just keeps getting some strange looking toys (toys that will actually just sit in a basket because she doesn't play with toys; alas another source of stress is that my cat I've had for 11 years and was my fur baby before my human baby is very sick and therefore isn't much for playing these days).