Articles tagged with "ages-3-6"
Lesson of the Day 39: Sea Glass and Tides — A Beach Science Adventure
April 18, 2026
"The land is where we live, but the sea is where we dream." Children are naturally drawn to the beach — the rhythm of the waves, the smooth treasures hidden in the sand, the mystery of where the water goes when the tide pulls back. In this lesson, we combine …
Lesson of the Day 38: From Concrete to Abstract — How Montessori Math Works
April 12, 2026
From Concrete to Abstract — How Montessori Math Works ...m, m, m the math sound, M makes a manipulative sound! One of the most common questions parents ask is: "How does my child go from counting beads to doing math in their head?" This lesson explains the beautiful Montessori progression …
Lesson of the Day 36: The Five Great Lessons — Montessori Cosmic Education
April 11, 2026
The Five Great Lessons — Montessori Cosmic Education ...u, u, u the universe sound, U makes a universe sound! Cosmic Education is one of the most beautiful and ambitious ideas in Montessori elementary education. Maria Montessori believed that the elementary years (ages 6-12) are a sensitive period for absorbing vast …
Lesson of the Day 35: Counting Chains and the Bead Stair — Montessori Math Adventures
April 10, 2026
Counting Chains and the Bead Stair — Montessori Math Adventures ...c, c, c the counting sound, C makes a chain sound! Counting is such an important part of math skills, and young children love to count! One day, Maria Montessori was introducing older children to the colored bead chains to …
Lesson of the Day 34: Earth Day and Folk Art — Celebrating Culture Through Nature
April 10, 2026
Earth Day and Folk Art — Celebrating Culture Through Nature ...e, e, e the earth sound, E makes an Earth Day sound! Enjoy your culture on Earth Day! I always put Earth Day and folk art together — folk art comes from the Earth. We look at nature and take …
Lesson of the Day 33: Land and Water Forms — A Geography Adventure
April 10, 2026
Land and Water Forms — A Geography Adventure ...l, l, l the land sound, L makes a landscape sound! Anytime of the year is a good time to study geography! During your summer trips, point out different landforms on a map and look for them as you travel — it's …
Lesson of the Day 32: Calendars and Clocks — The Story of Telling Time
April 10, 2026
Calendars and Clocks — The Story of Telling Time ...t, t, t the time sound, T makes a tick-tock sound! What time is it? This simple question has fascinated humans for thousands of years. Astronomy was one of the first ways early cultures marked the passage of time — people …
Lesson of the Day 31: Sprouts and Grow It Again — Gardening Science for Kids
April 9, 2026
Sprouts and Grow It Again — Gardening Science for Kids ...g, g, g the growing sound, G makes a garden sound! I love farming and gardening! Whether it's sprouting radish and broccoli seeds for a salad or growing pots of baby lettuce year round, there's something magical about watching plants …
Lesson of the Day 25: Memory and Matching Games
April 8, 2026
Memory and Matching Games ...m, m, m the memory sound, M makes a memory sound! Memory games are more than just fun — they build concentration, visual discrimination, and the ability to hold information in the mind. These are foundational skills for all academic learning. A child who can concentrate …
Lesson of the Day 30: Space and Geography — Astronomy, the Moon, and Latitude & Longitude
April 2, 2026
Space and Geography — Astronomy, the Moon, and Latitude & Longitude ...s, s, s the space sound, S makes a star sound! Looking up at the night sky is one of the most awe-inspiring experiences for children. This lesson combines astronomy (stars and constellations), lunar science (the moon and its …
Lesson of the Day 29: Nature Studies — Squirrels, Beavers, Frogs, and Snails
April 2, 2026
Nature Studies — Squirrels, Beavers, Frogs, and Snails ...n, n, n the nature sound, N makes a nature sound! One of the most wonderful things about Montessori education is how it connects children to the natural world. This lesson explores four fascinating creatures that children can observe in their own …
Lesson of the Day 28: Earth Science — Plate Tectonics, Volcanoes, and Earthquakes
April 2, 2026
Earth Science — Plate Tectonics, Volcanoes, and Earthquakes ...e, e, e the earthquake sound, E makes an earth sound! The earth beneath our feet is always moving — usually so slowly we can't feel it, but sometimes dramatically enough to build mountains, create volcanoes, and cause earthquakes. This lesson combines …
Lesson of the Day 24: Fractions Fun
April 1, 2026
Fractions Fun ...f, f, f the fraction sound, F makes a fraction sound! Fractions are all around us — when we share a pizza, cut an apple in half, or split a cookie with a friend. Children who learn fractions through real objects they can hold, cut, and rearrange understand …
Lesson of the Day 27: Dinosaurs and Rocks
March 31, 2026
Dinosaurs and Rocks ...d, d, d the dinosaur sound, D makes a dinosaur sound! Dinosaurs and rocks are a natural pairing that captivates children of all ages. Preschoolers love the wonder of giant creatures that once roamed the earth, while elementary students can connect them to the Montessori Great Lessons …
Lesson of the Day 26: The Colored Tablets
March 28, 2026
The Colored Tablets ...c, c, c the color sound — can you match these colors? Montessori colored tablets sharpen visual acuity and help children understand the color spectrum. Color discrimination supports later learning — logic, classification of similar and different objects, grouping, and recognizing patterns of color in nature. These …
Lesson of the Day 23: Shapes and Geometry
March 25, 2026
Shapes and Geometry ...sh, sh, sh the shape sound, SH makes a shape sound! Shapes are everywhere — in the food we eat, the rooms we live in, the wheels on our cars. Long before children learn the word "geometry," they are already noticing that a ball is round, a …
Montessori Fantasy and Reality
March 23, 2026
Montessori education has always sparked debate — and perhaps no topic generates more discussion than the role of fantasy and play. I've been reading an article by Dr. Mario M. Montessori, Fantasy and Reality in Children's Games, and I'd like to share some excerpts that clarify this important topic. Recommended …
Cooking with Kids and Learning the Alphabet Too!
March 21, 2026
Cooking with kids has great rewards! You can teach the sounds of the alphabet while learning about math and kitchen science. Rap or sing the little song after each recipe. Let's cook and learn our ABCs! Each recipe in this A-to-Z collection pairs a fun, kid-friendly recipe with a letter …
Montessori Physical Education
March 21, 2026
Dr. Montessori had a unique and thoughtful approach to physical education for young children. She was concerned that preschool children — whose body proportions are still larger in the upper body — should be spared the rigors of strict physical workouts. She believed that a young child's legs could be …
Phonogram Words
March 20, 2026
Phonograms are the spelling patterns that go beyond simple phonetic (CVC) words. Once your child has mastered the Pink, Blue, and Green reading cards, these word lists help them tackle the rich variety of English spelling patterns. This comprehensive reference contains 65 phonogram categories with hundreds of words organized by …
The Silence Game
March 20, 2026
The Silence Game (also called "The Happy Game") is one of the first and most beloved elements introduced in a Montessori classroom. It helps with the normalization process and builds the foundation for concentration, self-control, and inner peace. Background Dr. Montessori invented this game when she was working with children …
Montessori Reading
March 20, 2026
Reading — The Montessori Way The sensorial lessons prepare your child for writing and reading. Comparing and contrasting shapes, colors, and ideas have been introduced and understood. The Sandpaper Letters or regular alphabet should be mastered, using all the short vowel sounds and hard consonant sounds. Spelling using the Moveable …
The Moveable Alphabet
March 18, 2026
Lesson of the Day 22: Reading Adventures
March 18, 2026
Reading Adventures ...r, r, r the reading sound, R makes a reading sound! Reading is one of the greatest gifts you can give your child. In Montessori, children learn to read through a careful progression from sounds to letters to words. By the time a child picks up a book, …
Golden Bead Material — Base Ten (Decimal System)
March 18, 2026
Ages: 3 and up The Golden Bead Material is one of the most beautiful and powerful tools in Montessori math. It introduces children to the decimal system — ones (units), tens, hundreds, and thousands — through hands-on, sensorial experience. Children can actually feel the difference between 1 and 1,000! Materials …
Spring Equinox
March 18, 2026
The Spring Equinox (also called the Vernal Equinox) happens around March 20th each year. It's the moment when day and night are almost exactly equal in length — about 12 hours each. The word "equinox" comes from the Latin words aequus (equal) and nox (night). This is a wonderful time …
Walking the Line
March 18, 2026
Ages: 2½ and up Walking the Line is one of the most beloved Montessori exercises for developing balance, coordination, and concentration. It's like a balance beam on the ground — simple to set up, endlessly engaging for young children, and wonderful for building grace of movement. Materials Painter's masking tape …
Practical Life
March 18, 2026
Practical Life for Life My favorite age of preschool development, believe it or not, is the (not so) terrible twos. In fact, I love the terrific twos. The twos are just made for Montessori practical life skills, exemplified by the "I can do it myself!" attitude of most two-year-old children. …
Number Rods
March 17, 2026
What Is Your Child's Talent?
March 16, 2026
We all are born with unique talents. Talents can be apparent or hidden, and they can change over time. Here is a fun, non-scientific quiz to help you discover your child's natural learning talent. This quiz is designed for young children. If your child is older, think back to how …
Turkey Fun, Tessellations, and Dolly Makeover: A Montessori Activity Newsletter
March 15, 2026
Welcome to Newsletter 18! This newsletter is packed with hands-on activities perfect for the holiday season: fun turkey crafts, a toddler-friendly baby doll bath activity, a step-by-step dolly makeover, an introduction to tessellations and tangrams, and a food pyramid lesson with great book recommendations. Turkey Crafts & Hats A hand-and-foot …
Lesson of the Day 21: Butterflies and Life Cycles
March 11, 2026
Butterflies and Life Cycles ...b, b, b the butterfly sound, B makes a butterfly sound! Spring is the season of transformation. Butterflies are one of the most magical ways to show children how living things grow and change. When a child watches a tiny caterpillar become a beautiful butterfly, they …
Sandpaper Letters Printout — Cursive Alphabet Gallery
March 9, 2026
Free Montessori Sandpaper Letters — Cursive Alphabet These beautiful cursive letter printouts follow the traditional Montessori color coding: Blue letters = Vowels (a, e, i, o, u) Red letters = Consonants (all other letters) Print these letters on card stock for best results. You can cut out each letter and …
Blood Moon 2026: A Montessori Guide to Tonight's Total Lunar Eclipse
March 2, 2026
Tonight is a special night for stargazers of all ages! A total lunar eclipse — also called a blood moon — will be visible across North America in the early morning hours of March 3, 2026. This is a wonderful opportunity to bring Montessori cosmic education to life with your …
Baric Tablets
February 26, 2026
Baric Tablets Ages 3 to 5 years old Materials 3 sets of wooden tablets, each set varying in weight. Each set should vary in weight by at least 5 grams. All six tablets in each set are about 3 inches by 4 inches. Each set is a slightly different colored …
The Red Rods
February 25, 2026
The Red Rods (Long Stair) Ages 3 to 6 years old Material 10 red wooden rods, all the same thickness but varying in length from 10 centimeters to one meter. Each rod increases in length by 10 centimeters — the length of the smallest rod. The longest rod is 10 …
The Brown Stair (Broad Stair)
February 24, 2026
The Brown Stair Also known as: The Broad Stair Ages: 2½ to 5 years The Montessori Brown Stair Material: Ten brown wooden prisms, all the same length, varying in height and width from 1 centimeter to 10 centimeters square. The blocks vary in two dimensions. Presentation Mix the prisms on …
Lesson of the Day 20 — Sorting and Sizes
February 20, 2026
Sorting and Sizes ...s, s, s the sorting sound, S makes a super sorting sound! Sorting is one of the most natural things children do. Watch a toddler with a pile of blocks and you will see them start grouping — all the red ones here, the big ones there. …
Lesson of the Day 19 — Winter Weather
February 19, 2026
Winter Weather ...w, w, w the winter sound, W makes a winter wind sound! Winter is a wonderful time to explore weather with your children. Cold air, frost on windows, snowflakes, and icy puddles are all around us — a natural classroom right outside your door. Observing Winter Weather Weather …
Contact Us
February 17, 2026
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About MontessoriMom
February 17, 2026
About MontessoriMom MontessoriMom.com has been a Montessori resource for parents and educators since 2001. Our Mission "I thought I'd like to help parents, grandparents and teachers. Montessori is a simple approach primarily based on observation of each unique child and providing stimulating materials and environment. It's important each child learn …
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February 17, 2026
Last updated: February 2026 What We Collect We do not collect personal information. We do not require accounts or logins. Cookies & Advertising This site displays ads via Google AdSense, which uses cookies to serve ads based on your browsing history. You can opt out of personalized ads at Google …
Lesson of the Day 18 — Colors
February 16, 2026
Colors ...c, c, c the color sound, C makes a color sound! Colors are one of the first things young children notice in their world. From the bright red of an apple to the blue sky above, colors help children describe, sort, and make sense of everything around them. Learning …
Activity Printouts
May 14, 2015
gradation Cutout Cards Reading Cards reading Reading Cards 1 Plural Singular Reading Cards memory game Memory Game 1 Memory Game 2
Color Printouts
May 14, 2015
The Colors in Spanish The Colors in English Color Wordlist Greyscale Numenclature Cards
Geology Printouts
May 14, 2015
The Earth Inside Earthquakes Volcanoes Continental Drift Matching Cards Threepart Cards
Geography Printouts
May 14, 2015
Compass Compass Directions Geography Nomenclature Cards 1 Geography Nomenclature Cards 2 Landform Names Landform Nomenclature Cards 1 Landform Nomenclature Cards 2 Landforms (no names) 1 Landforms (no names) 2 Latitude/Longitude 3 part card City Coordinate Cards United States United States (blank) United States (no names)
Math Printouts
May 14, 2015
Counting 1 through 10 Counting Arrows (blank) Counting Chain Arrows Beadstair Colors Counting Cards 1 Counting Cards 2 Counting Cards 3 Counting Cards 4 Quantity Tiles Fraction Cards Fraction Game Fraction Labels 1 Fraction Labels 2 Number Rods Key Number Rods Printout Number Tiles
Geometry Printouts
May 14, 2015
Triangle Cards Triangle Reading Cards Square Printouts Cylinder Cards Geometric Cards Shape Reading Cards Metal Insets Pink Tower in French Pink Tower Counting Cards Pink Tower in English Pink Tower in Spanish
Date & Time Printouts
May 14, 2015
Days of the Calendar Days of the Calendar Key Clock Face 1 Clock Face 2 Clock Face 3 Clock Face 4 Clockface Printouts Months Cards Month Names Weekday Cards Weekday Names
Biology Printouts
May 14, 2015
Largest to Smallest Largest to Smallest Cutouts Beaver Nomenclature Cards Butterfly Lifecyle Cards Frog Lifecycle Cards Metamorphisis Reading Cards Mushrooms Snail Nomenclature Cards Squirrel Food Squirrel Nomenclature Cards Wildflower Cards Beavers Largest to Smallest Cutouts Animals Smallest to Largest Root Nomenclature Cards
Mushrooms
July 14, 2014
When walking in the Colorado woods after several weeks of rain I find a great variety of mushrooms and fungi. They seem to grow well in the Rocky Mountains. Fungi and ponderosa pine trees grow in a symbiotic way. Symbiosis is when two different plants or species live together in …
Days of the Week
July 13, 2014
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday The days of the week are divided into 7 days. Some of the names of the days of the week are from Anglo Saxon and Latin Here is a printout of a key of the names of the week in different languages and …
Writing Skills
January 5, 2014
Writing Readiness Montessori uses plasticine clay to develop muscles for writing, Fun Dough works well too. Some other activities that develop writing coordination skills are sand and water play, finger painting, pouring activities and kneading bread. Children need to use large pencils, chalk, washable markers and crayons for free drawing. …
Weather
October 4, 2013
Our Changing WeatherSome days are warm and sunny, others cold and raining. Everyday the weather is different from the day before. What makes weather patterns happen? There are different air masses at the frozen poles, the warm equator area and the middle land continents. When these air masses meet they …
The Water Cycle
August 28, 2013
The water cycle is a system in which water is in constant motion from the atmosphere to land, plants and surface water and back again to the atmosphere. The atmosphere is made of air. Air surrounds us, in the air there is water vapor. This water vapor forms clouds. All …
Types of Weather
August 19, 2013
Our earth is covered with air. It surrounds us and provides different weather patterns. Everyone likes to check the weather in the morning. Young children enjoy this activity to help them determine what to wear and the activities they will do that day. We have provided some weather nomenclature cards …
Stars and Nebulae
July 11, 2013
Our sun is a star that is alive and makes lots of energy. It is yellow and medium in size. The sun is still young enough to last at least 5 billion more years. The night sky is full of stars of different colors. The blue stars are young and …
Asteroids Meteors Comets
June 18, 2013
Asteroids are lumps of rocks in space. Most of these rocks are located in a belt between Mars and Jupiter. The largest asteroid is Ceres, which is considered a dwarf planet. It is about 600 miles across. There are tens of thousands of these bodies in the asteroid belt. They …
Planet Cards
June 17, 2013
Planet Cards: The 8 Major Planets of Our Solar System One of the most beautiful aspects of Montessori education is the way it invites children to explore the universe with wonder and reverence. These planet cards are designed to help your child explore, classify, and fall in love with the …
Dwarf Planets
June 17, 2013
Dwarf Planets: The Small Worlds of Our Solar System In 2006, the International Astronomical Union reclassified Pluto as a “dwarf planet.” In the Montessori spirit of following the child’s curiosity, this is a wonderful opportunity to teach that science is a living, evolving process. These dwarf planet cards and lessons …
Astronomy Printouts
June 17, 2013
Free Montessori Astronomy Printouts Welcome to our collection of free printable astronomy materials! These PDF resources are designed with the Montessori approach in mind. Whether your child is just beginning to explore the night sky or is deep into a study of our solar system, these printouts will support their …
Inner & Outer Planets
June 17, 2013
We live on the planet Earth. Earth is part of a family of bodies that travel together in space around the sun — our solar system. The sun is a huge yellow star made of glowing gas, and it sits at the center. Everything else orbits around it. The eight …
Compass Cardinal Direction
June 6, 2013
North, South, East, West These are the cardinals we know the best Compass Points The main cardinal points on a compass are North, South, East and West. Preschool children enjoy watching the needle of a compass move. While walking with your child use a compass and learn about different directions …
Our Solar System
May 27, 2013
Look up at the sky. In the daytime you see the sun, and at night you can see the moon, planets, and stars. All of those bodies — plus Earth under our feet — belong to one family called our solar system. Our place in space Our solar system is …
The Sun
May 27, 2013
⬇️ Free Printout: Parts of the Sun Download PDF Printout Print the diagram and cut out the layer cards for a hands-on labeling activity. Sol · Sun · Sonne · Soleil · Shemesh · Zon · Sonce · Sunce · Matahari · Soorajh · Helios · Shams · Taiyo · …
Insets for Design Printouts
May 23, 2013
Montessori metal insets are 10 geometrical cut out shapes. Pictures of geometric designs are included in the Montessori classroom decor. Here are printouts of metal inset shapes for reading or vocabulary. You can make these as 3 part cards too. Learning is fun the Montessori way! More about geometric shapes …
Volcanoes Free Printout
May 8, 2013
Volcanoes dot the earth. You can find them on land or under the oceans. Volcanic activity often occurs along the edges of continental and oceanic plates. They can form when an ocean plate pushes against a continental plate. Some volcanoes form when oceanic plates pull part along the ocean ridges. …
Layers of the Earth
April 23, 2013
The Earth is a wonderful combination of hard and liquid layers. It is made up of a core, mantel and crust. The core is pressed into a solid mass of nickle and iron. It is solid from the pressure from the outer layers. The outer core is liquid material made …
Earthquakes
March 1, 2013
The Earth is always moving, usually so slowly that we don't notice. On occasions the earth can move very suddenly, this is called an earthquake. Most earthquakes occur in the earth's crust. The crust covers our earth with layers of rock as deep as 30 feet. Earthquakes can happen when …
Pink Reading Scheme
November 15, 2012
Make any Montessori reading scheme with pink, blue or green words! A child first uses the pink pictures to “spell ” words with the moveable alphabet. The pink scheme introduces phonetic, three lettered words.First printout phonetic, three letter words with pictures. Your child matches words to pictures. If this is …
Reading Vowel Lessons
November 14, 2012
Montessori Elementary Level Reading Lessons Here are some more advanced reading lessons. I usually go onto theseexercises when children have mastered the phonic sounds for reading and areready for this next step.We are going to put together 4 different types of materials for yourchild to choose from to learn about …
Montessori and Santa Claus
November 10, 2012
Montessori and Santa Claus6During my childhood my mother didn’t let us hang up stockings for Santa as a part of our Christmas tradition. Her view of Santa was more like her homeland Norwegian troll-like character, Nisse For her, Santa was a kind of creepy Nisse.In my Montessori training we were …
Practical Life Activities
June 11, 2012
Montessori wanted children to relate to real items and experiences because like a scientist, they made their assumptions from real life, not from fantasy. The first real life experiences in a Montessori classroom are found in the practical life exercises Use your imagination to explore and teach practical life skills …
Presenting Materials
June 11, 2012
No ReDosI had stage fright when I first presented the pink tower to a student under the watchful eyes of our directress. When presenting the sensorial equipment you had to make sure you did the presentation without correcting any movements or placement of the material. If you slightly corrected a …
Praise in the Montessori Classroom
June 11, 2012
Montessori and Praise I worked for a directress who was educated in Montessori schools in Holland. She said that these schools were run under Mario Montessori’s branch, or what we would call AMI today. Her insight of how Montessori theory worked was profound because of her Montessori experience as a …
Students Who Resist Learning
June 9, 2012
The Case of Sorting Beads During my student teaching I was surprised by a few of the teaching methods used by my directress that didn’t seem very Montessori.One of the first difficult activities our preschool students were required to complete was sorting about 100 different colored wooden beads into compartments. …
Handwork Activities
June 1, 2012
Cutting 101Montessori Art/Practical LifeCutting is a process that takes time to do. Here are 5 steps for cutting paper.Cutting paper1. Let your child fringe a border of a paper2. Cut a straight line next3. Cut a line with a curve4. Cut out various shapes, circle, triangle, square, and rectangle5. Cut …
Handwork and Art
June 1, 2012
Art in Montessori EducationWhen I was taking my Montessori training, I was surprised that the word “art” was not used for the preschool classroom, “handwork” was the proper expression. Handwork and art supplies in a Montessori preschool & kindergarten classroom usually consisted of plasticine clay, scissors, paper, glue, paint and …
Montessori Card Page Lesson
May 28, 2012
Picture Card Page ExerciseUse the reading cards from our free printouts for the picture cards & labels- These cards will fit on a standard letter size-8 1/2 by 11 inches (you can use firmer paper, such as card stock or construction paper.)Method for making the materials-Cut out the pictures and …
How to Make Reading Cards
May 27, 2012
Montessori 3 Part Cards Montessori 3-part cards can be used with classified cards or nomenclature cards. When working with preschool children use vocabulary or words that are a part of their lessons or environment. Nomenclature cards are used to help teach reading vocabulary as well. Use two copies of a …
Lesson of the Day 17
March 13, 2012
Weather is a constant in our environment. It is something you can observe and study with your children every day. Clouds Clouds are dramatic in the summer. They are a large part of our surroundings and weather conditions. Clouds are a part our atmosphere (sky) where there are many gases, …
Lesson of the Day 16
July 16, 2011
Butterflies ...b, b, b the butterfly sound, B makes a butterfly sound! Children and adults are fascinated by the beauty and life of butterflies. Young children can watch them and understand the beauty and change in nature and life. If you approach them slowly you can catch them with a …
Lesson of the Day 15
July 11, 2011
b,b,b the box sound "B" makes a box sound! Shapes Are Everywhere Montessori used geometric shapes to teach the basics of math, reading and writing. These beautiful shapes are also found in architecture and art. More Lesson Ideas After studying circles , rectangles , pie wedges and triangles in the …
Lesson of the Day 14
June 11, 2011
This is a fun and educational game to play with children. Also, check out the free printout for the game. An Introduction to Fractions using Pie Wedges Fractions are a Part the Whole Easy Matching Game Sector shapes or wedges make an easy fraction game. Cut a pie into even …
Lesson of the Day 13
February 28, 2011
Learn Math the Fun and Easy Way with Triangles Three Connecting Straight Sides Make a Triangle Triangles have 3 sides. They vary in size and shape. Printout these triangles to find out how triangles look different, but always have three connecting linear sides. Easy Matching Game Print out and cut …
Lesson of the Day 12
October 30, 2010
Circles Going round and round in circles Circles are important shapes in geometry and trigonometry. They have a circumference, radius, degrees of angles and chords. Circles are an easy concept for preschool children to understand. Print out the circle shapes from the geometric cabinet. Each circle is represented by a …
Lesson of the Day 11
October 24, 2010
Squares and Rectangles Printout of Rectangles Printout the different size rectangles. Each rectangle is represented by a solid shape, a heavy lined shape and a thin lined shape. An easy lesson for younger children Use two copies of each solid shape. Keep one on original card printout (template), cut the …
Lesson of the Day 10
August 31, 2010
Pillow Blocks, Blocks, Bricks and Cubes Pillow blocks, shaped as cubes, were one of the first toys I introduced to my babies. I received these soft, home sewn, cube blocks from a clever friend. They were the best! These pillow blocks were made from soft material filled with soft stuffing. …
Flower Potpourri
July 28, 2010
Flower Potpourri: Summer Lessons for Little Hands Summer is the perfect season to bring learning outdoors! These hands-on activities — making fragrant potpourri, mixing fizzy floats, and playing fruit math games — invite your child to explore with all of their senses. Each one offers rich opportunities for practical life …
Play Groups
May 23, 2010
Starting a play group with your preschool child is a great way to help your child socialize and learn building blocks for later learning. When I purchased my Montessori equipment at Nienhuis years ago there was a huge display area of developmental toys for toddlers and young preschool children. It …
Lesson of the Day 9
May 13, 2010
Learning How to Count, and Early Math Lessons Teaching toddlers to count is difficult. Start with just two objects to count. I save jar and bottle tops for this purposes. Use tops that vary in size from smallest to largest. This helps a young child to see that 1 is …
Earth Day
April 18, 2010
Make Earth Day a fun and easy activity for school and home. It's important not to burden children about the problems we face with our environment. The most important thing you can do is to encourage your children to be good stewards of the earth. The best way you can …
Life Cycle Reading Cards
January 18, 2010
Preschool children are natural scientists who enjoy observing the life cycle of frogs and butterflies. Metamorphosis is a part of their life cycle and it is an exciting way to teach biology. Taking note of your environment, such as gardens and ponds, you can find butterflies and frogs in their …
Montessori Schools
January 17, 2010
Montessori SchoolsPeppertree Montessori provides quality Montessori education and care for your child. Check out the classes here . They are located in beautiful Oceanside, California.
Reading Ideas
January 13, 2010
Teaching Words for Non Phonological Readers Sometimes the Montessori approach for reading does not work as expected. There are some children who are not able to read phonetic words very well after they have been presented the Montessori method of sounding out letters, spelling words and reading words. This even …
The Life Cycle of the Swallowtail Butterfly
December 20, 2009
Printout Butterfly life cycle printout (PDF) Black swallowtail butterflies glide around my garden every summer. Each year I keep a small caterpillar nursery going in the greenhouse, and the children never get tired of watching the changes. Swallowtail caterpillars are sometimes called parsley caterpillars — they love eating the dill. …
Montessori and Religion
August 13, 2009
A large part of Montessorii's philosophy includes the goodness of a child's soul. Montessori was a devout and practicing Catholic and her beliefs are evident in her approach to educating children. Basically, Montessori believed in the innate ability of a child to love and respect life deeply. Here are some …
How to Use the Word List
August 5, 2009
The Montessori word list can be used for many reading, spelling and writing activities. My children loved just reading the word list under each category to understand the logic of the English language.Here are some links for things you can do with with word list.Montessori Sentence Cards Montessori Card Page …
Phonetic Word List
August 5, 2009
2 and 3 letter phonetic words a-e-i-o-u -a-(short a)panbagcatmanbathatpatvantapfanratmatjammapcanfathammadhadbadpadladragsatrantaxhasladgapwaggapgaglaprapyapgaslagdadcabanasatChallenge wordsaddandamactant-e-(short e)hentenbednetpenpegmenlegredwebbegfedledwetletpetsetbetgetyeshemyetmetvetwedvexdenkegjetChallenge wordseggelkelmend-i-(short i)tinpigkidlidnibpinpipbibwiginkvimwindighidhitsititgigbitbighitbindinjignipsiplitridtiprimifinripisdiddimfithimhiskinwitdipfinlipChallenge Wordssixmixfix-o-(short o)pottopmoprotdoglogrodpogtogcotdothodcodrodboghoglotnotnodsobhotrobhopdonongotpopsodsopjogjotjobChallenge Words foxboxoxoddoffof-u-(short u)juggunhutnutmugtubbudsuncuprugbussumbugpuptugcubnunhugrutsuppunmuttbunfundugrungumbutupusrubmudhum4 to 6 letter phonetic words-a-(short a)stampcrampbandtrapstagpramcrabtramhandlampflagbankslabstubgladsandcramslampantlandslapflaxflatplankstandtrampgrandcampsankbangtrapclapbragrankrangsnapscabbankslabstab-e-(short e)mendsentrentlentdentbentwentlendsendbendstemnextdeskvesttentbeltwesttestrestpestbestselfkeptsweptcreptweptsleptfeltmeltspeltspendfledfretChallenge Wordsswellelevensteps-i-(short i)lifthiltlinkpinkbrimdintprimsifttintfilmmilkfistgrindripprintsilktrimhintskingrimski[spintripsinkgiftwinkrinkmiststripsplitgiltlimpChallenge Wordstwigdrinktilttwistprismtwinswimbill-o-(short o)lostfrogpondfrostloftblottongsspotplodplopclotplotstopfondbondcostflopsoftdropfromclogscropfrontromppropprodslotChallenge Wordsdollclocksockmock
Wildflowers
July 26, 2009
Here are some 3 part cards or nomenclature cards of wildflowers from my walk in the mountains How to make 3 part cards Take a walk on the wild side. You can find so many beautiful and interesting things when you walk with your children. Our favorite thing to observe …
Roots
June 30, 2009
Free Montessori Root Printouts for Reading and Science Nomenclature Some of my favorite roots to eat are radishes, beets, sweet potatoes and carrots. These types of roots are called root crops because you can eat them. Not all roots can be eaten though! Go to the garden and pull out …
Snails
June 20, 2009
Free Montessori Nomenclature Printouts! Summer and spring are exciting seasons to observe new life in your garden. You can learn about plant life , biology and ecosystems I know it is finally summer when I see snails on my lettuce patch. Snails hibernate during the winter and emerge in the …
Black Holes
June 11, 2009
Black holes are fascinating! In your imagination you can see a huge dark dense form drawing in objects, crushing them as they get closer to the hole. Many scientists believe there is a black hole in the center of most galaxies. A black hole is a dense object in space. …
Moon Cards
May 26, 2009
The moon orbits the earth in less than 27 days. There are 13 lunar cycles during the earth's solar year. The moon changes each night depending how much light it is reflecting from the sun. It's like watching a mirror reflecting sunlight. Here are some cards of the basic lunar …
Fractions Part II
May 17, 2009
Some More Fraction Fun Previous Newsletter about Fractions This has the Montessori fraction circles . We've made a few more printouts for older children using the fraction circles Here are two sets of fraction cards The smaller cards fit perfectly in each section of the fraction circle. For example, put …
Big and Small
May 3, 2009
Understanding concepts of big and small are important for math readiness. A main concept of mathematics is understanding degrees of big and small. Preschool children love talking about how big they are compared to other things. For example, children love that they are bigger than their cat, baby brother or …
Fractions
March 25, 2009
Understanding fractions usually starts in preschool. Many young children understand the concept sharing half a cookie, they want a whole cookie! Math is really easy for young children to understand with hands on activities and life experiences. Montessori Primary Guide has directions using Montessori circles cut into pie pieces to …
Pink Tower and Counting
March 8, 2009
The Pink Tower is often a child's first taste of Montessori math — before it is a math lesson, it is a sensorial one. Ten pink cubes, each one a centimeter bigger than the last, let little hands discover the words small, smaller, smallest and large, larger, largest long before …
Color Nomenclature Cards
March 1, 2009
English and Spanish Nomenclature Cards You can use these color nomenclature cards for young children. Find objects that are the same color as the cards and let your child match the objects to the correct colors. Start with using 2 or 3 primary color cards for toddlers. Use your native …
Montessori Reading Cards
February 14, 2009
These reading cards can be used as three part cards or for reading vocabulary. Print and collect reading cards in categories according to your child's reading readiness. You can use a recipe box, small index card size, to store different categories of cards. Here is a list of reading words. …
Memory Matching Game
February 6, 2009
Fun Games for reading and math readiness. Use the Free Printouts below! Memory and matching games are interesting for all ages. They help develop visual skills, spatial memory and recognition of shapes, sizes and objects. First introduce the game as a matching activity. You can start with 2 or 3 …
Preschool Matching and Sorting Games
January 27, 2009
Sorting objects or toys according to size helps children develop their intellect. These lessons are not only fun, but are building blocks for later learning. Montessori used sorting, matching and classifying as a means to academic learning in math, reading and science. Matching and sorting help with problem solving and …
Newsletter (Beavers)
January 21, 2009
Beaver by the Dam The beaver is a semi aquatic rodent. Beavers live in North America, parts of Europe and Asia. Surprisingly, there are beavers in the southern part of South America. Beavers live near forests. They need water to live so they make their homes in lakes, ponds, reservoirs, …
Frog Life Cycle Newsletter
January 19, 2009
Science for Kids A f rog's life cycle is interesting because it goes through amazing changes. Frogs live both in the water and on land. Free Frog Life cycle Cards Here is an overview of the frog's life cycle Free Frog life cycle sequence cards Helpful Links Frogs Frog Fiction-Free …
Happy New Year's Activities
December 29, 2008
After the holiday stress, it's wonderful to stay home and make hats and decorations and play games with your family for the New Year.Here are some of my favorite homemade party items:Homemade Party Hats Decorating for Your Party New Year's Crafts Chinese New Year Montessori New Year's Celebration Celebrating New …
Newsletter (Squirrels)
December 26, 2008
This is a fun biology activity for children of all ages. It's easy to study wildlife and habitats in your own neigborhood. Check out the free anatomy science and reading cards. There are also free matching reading cards that illustrate what type of food a squirrel. likes to eat Squirrels …
Montessori Newsletter (Plate Tectonics)
August 17, 2008
Plate Tectonics and Continental Drift Continental Drift The crust of the earth isn't one solid piece, it's made of various plates . Land plates are called continental plates. Other plates are under the oceans, these are called oceanic plates . These plates move, very slowly, over the surface of the …
Newsletter (Geography) Latitude Longitude
June 28, 2008
Check out five free reading, science cards to printout. This is considered Montessori Culture or traditional Environmental or Earth Science. The earth is a sphere shape. The earth is divided up into circles. Circles measure where places are located on the earth. Here are two types of method that use …
Newsletter (Astronomy)
June 16, 2008
Astronomy can be introduced in preschool as a preparation for the Great Lessons. In the first lesson , the universe's creation is introduced. Later, our solar system is introduced more fully. Many teachers introduce another story about our stars, including our sun and the formation of galaxies. This includes constellations …
Free Land and Water Cards (27)
June 3, 2008
Anytime of the year is a good time to study geography. During your summer trips point out different landforms on a map and look for them as you travel. It's a fun road game. Geography is the study of human interaction with their physical environment. It is how humans live …
Calendars and Clocks
April 23, 2008
What time is it? Astronomy was the one of the first ways early cultures marked the passage of time. People could tell by the phases of the moon that time changed. The first calendar was a lunar calendar . A solar year is the time it takes to go from …
Montessori Sorting Largest to Smallest Printout
April 19, 2008
Matching & Sorting Largest to Smallest This is a simple matching activity to help your child learn about sizes. It helps with math & reading readiness. Purpose: This teaches the concept of sorting and order. It helps your child see differences in sizes of objects that are the same or …
Montessori Math Quantity Matching Game
April 5, 2008
Purpose: To associate quantities with the numerals that represent them. It also teaches how to count finite sets of objects. It is a concrete introduction to the abstract idea of cardinality . This lesson is for children who can count. In the second part they need to recognize the number …
Earth Day and Folk Art
January 19, 2008
Earth Day and Folk Art Enjoy your culture on Earth Day I always put Earth Day and folk art together, folk art comes from the Earth. We look at nature and take something from it and creatively make it ours. A bird singing is a new tune for a song, …
You're a Soccer Mom Hen
January 19, 2008
To place this result on your blog, website, or HTML forum post, just cut and paste the following html. (Use Select All, Copy, and then Paste.) <p align="center"> <a href="http://www.montessorimom.com/?utm_source=mother%2Bhen%2Bquiz&utm_medium=quiz&utm_campaign=mother%2Bhen%2Bquiz "> <img src="http://montessorimom.com/soccer.gif" width=300 height=200 border=0> </a> <br> <a href="http://montessorimom.com/what-type-mother-hen-are-you/"> What type of Mother Hen Are You?</a><br> by <a href="http://www.montessorimom.com/?utm_source=mother%2Bhen%2Bquiz&utm_medium=quiz&utm_campaign=mother%2Bhen%2Bquiz …
You're a Phat Mother Hen
January 19, 2008
To place this result on your blog, website, or HTML forum post, just cut and paste the following html. (Use Select All, Copy, and then Paste.) <p align="center"> <a href="http://www.montessorimom.com/?utm_source=mother%2Bhen%2Bquiz&utm_medium=quiz&utm_campaign=mother%2Bhen%2Bquiz "> <img src="http://montessorimom.com/phat.gif" width=300 height=200 border=0> </a> <br> <a href="http://montessorimom.com/what-type-mother-hen-are-you/"> What type of Mother Hen Are You?</a><br> by <a href="http://www.montessorimom.com/?utm_source=mother%2Bhen%2Bquiz&utm_medium=quiz&utm_campaign=mother%2Bhen%2Bquiz …
You're a Gentle Mother Hen
January 19, 2008
To place this result on your blog, website, or HTML forum post, just cut and paste the following html. (Use Select All, Copy, and then Paste.) <p align="center"> <a href="http://www.montessorimom.com/?utm_source=mother%2Bhen%2Bquiz&utm_medium=quiz&utm_campaign=mother%2Bhen%2Bquiz "> <img src="http://montessorimom.com/gentle.gif" width=300 height=200 border=0> </a> <br> <a href="http://montessorimom.com/what-type-mother-hen-are-you/"> What type of Mother Hen Are You?</a><br> by <a href="http://www.montessorimom.com/?utm_source=mother%2Bhen%2Bquiz&utm_medium=quiz&utm_campaign=mother%2Bhen%2Bquiz …
You're an Artsy Mother Hen
January 19, 2008
To place this result on your blog, website, or HTML forum post, just cut and paste the following html. (Use Select All, Copy, and then Paste.) <p align="center"> <a href="http://www.montessorimom.com/?utm_source=mother%2Bhen%2Bquiz&utm_medium=quiz&utm_campaign=mother%2Bhen%2Bquiz "> <img src="http://montessorimom.com/artsy.gif" width=300 height=200 border=0> </a> <br> <a href="http://montessorimom.com/what-type-mother-hen-are-you/"> What type of Mother Hen Are You?</a><br> by <a href="http://www.montessorimom.com/?utm_source=mother%2Bhen%2Bquiz&utm_medium=quiz&utm_campaign=mother%2Bhen%2Bquiz …
You're a Groovy Mother Hen
January 19, 2008
To place this result on your blog, website, or HTML forum post, just cut and paste the following html. (Use Select All, Copy, and then Paste.) <p align="center"> <a href="http://www.montessorimom.com/?utm_source=mother%2Bhen%2Bquiz&utm_medium=quiz&utm_campaign=mother%2Bhen%2Bquiz "> <img src="http://montessorimom.com/groovy.gif" width=300 height=200 border=0> </a> <br> <a href="http://montessorimom.com/what-type-mother-hen-are-you/"> What type of Mother Hen Are You?</a><br> by <a href="http://www.montessorimom.com/?utm_source=mother%2Bhen%2Bquiz&utm_medium=quiz&utm_campaign=mother%2Bhen%2Bquiz …
Montessori & Gingerbread
December 5, 2007
One way to have fun during this holiday is to use to use a gingerbread theme.Here are some gingerbread ideas that would be great at home and school. Montessori handwork comes to light during this holiday season. Also, baking and cooking introduce not only elements of culture, taste and smell, …
Fun Thanksgiving Ideas for Kids
October 22, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving! Here are some of my favorite fun activities to do for this holiday:Colonial KidsThanksgiving in Canada Thanksgiving in the United States Mexican Style Thanksgiving Recipes Free Thanksgiving Printouts and ActivitiesThanksgiving Printouts -use for reading cards, stories and even punch out simple shapes , like a pumpkin, with a …
Pumpkin Fun
October 19, 2007
These are some my favorite educational links for Pumpkins and Costumes.Making costumes is advanced Montessori handwork. It's creative and fun! Homemade Halloween Costumes Art Recipes has an easy face paint recipe and how to links. Here are some educational ideas and practical life skills using pumpkins Pumpkin Life Cycle and …
Biomes
October 11, 2007
BiomesCan Biomes Change? Biomes are often defined by location, geographic landforms and water. Biomes usually have animals, plant life, and even particular life in the soil. Ecosystems are a part of a biome. What makes a biome unique is location, location, location. One of the easiest biomes to study is …
The Moon and New Years
October 3, 2007
New Years The New Year is like a birthday for the world. You can use the Montessori birthday celebration for a unique New Year's activity. In a Montessori classroom the birthday child holds the earth or a globe and walks around the sun or a candle. The walk represents the …
Language Development
September 17, 2007
Montessori and the Wonderful World of LanguageI've always been interested in languages, maybe living in a bilingual family fostered this love of languages. My wonderful teachers first introduced me to unique elements of language. While reading the Canterbury Tales in English class I was amazed how many words were similar …
Colored Tablets
August 26, 2007
Montessori and the Wonderful World of Color Colored Tablets Montessori colored tablets sharpen visual acuity. Children begin to understand the color spectrum with these wonderful lessons. Color discrimination helps with later learning, such as using logic, classification of similar and different objects, groupings and patterns of color in nature. This …
7 Mistakes Parents Make
August 1, 2007
Worrying About Your Child Too MuchMany parents worry about their children --Whether they are developing normally, how they perform, if they cry too much, are they going to be able to survive in school and life. Children are hardier than we think, of course, this doesn't mean that we shouldn't …
Free Montessori Sandpaper Letters Printout
July 7, 2007
What Are Sandpaper Letters? Sandpaper letters are one of the most elegant materials in the Montessori classroom. Each letter of the alphabet is cut from fine sandpaper and mounted on a smooth board — consonants on pink or red boards and vowels on blue boards. The contrast between the rough …
Lesson of the Day 6
June 30, 2007
Lesson of the Day 6 Today’s fun learning is brought to you by the Alphabet Game, Reading boxes, Silence Game Cold and Hot Science Rock around the Clock, Finger Plays Group time fun Hot and Cold Science- You will need: Ice or snow Mitten or glove Have your child put …
Supplements
June 30, 2007
Here are some links for Montessori lessons, curriculum, scope and sequenceMontessori CultureMontessori pfd file Math Scope and SequenceMontessori Math ages 3-6Montessori Curriculum ages 2 through 6 Montessori Class Inventory List
Home Classroom
June 30, 2007
When my kids were about 2 years old, I started with a small low cupboard and arranged some Montessori practical life & sensorial (and art) supplies plus a small table and chairs for our first classroom. Our first learning area was in the kitchen. The kitchen provided more "toys" for …
How to Prepare Your Classroom
June 30, 2007
Montessori Environment The Montessori environment is a combination of the classroom, teacher, outdoor classroom and garden, and all other facilities. It should be welcoming, attractive and orderly. It is set up for thinking and learning activity. Montessori understood that a child’s environment developed a child’s brain. It is perhaps one …
About Montessori Mom
June 30, 2007
I'd like to introduce myself. I am better known as Montessori Mom. I have been a certified Montessori teacher for twenty-seven years. I received my training in London from Phoebe Child, a friend and student of Maria Montessori. During my training I worked in Germany at a Montessori preschool and …
Prepare the Environment for your Child
June 30, 2007
The Preparation of the Montessori Environment What is the right environment for a child to grow, learn, and develop? Maria Montessori seemed to understand that a child needed a place "where a kid can be a kid" to develop into the wonderful human being he or she was created to …
Every Other Day School
June 30, 2007
Every generation and culture has unique school experiences. Here is one from the past that might be interesting. When my mother started school in Norway 80 years ago, she went to school only every other day through 7th grade. She attended a small rural school. There were only 12 or …
How to Prepare to Teach your Child
June 30, 2007
How can I prepare myself to teach my child? One of the first things to do is find a quiet space to do the activities with your child with child sized chairs, table, bookcase for books and supplies, and a small area rug. Make a firm date and time every …
Lesson of the Day 4
June 30, 2007
Today’s learning and fun is brought to you by letter D-- featuring dinosaur, duck, and donuts. I am special In this lesson you can teach your child about where he or she lives- address- phone number, his or her full name, parts of the body. Use the 3 step approach-1)This …
Lesson of the Day 2
June 30, 2007
Today’s Fun Time is brought to you by the letter B featuring Big Bubbles and Beautiful Birds Life Skills: Picking up objects Materials needed: Small tongs Sugar cubes 2 small bowls Tray Place on the tray a bowl with sugar cubes and the other empty bowl. Slowly, show your child …
Lesson of the Day 8
June 30, 2007
This lesson is brought to you by the letter o, fleecy balls, hermit crabs and jars. Matching Letter Sounds to Objects GameSelect letters that your child knows the phonetic sounds very well and familiar objects that start with the letters. For example, if you child knows the 'j', 'c', and …
Lesson of the Day 5
June 30, 2007
Today's learning and fun is brought to you by the letter p- the peanut butter letter, peanut butter you can make and peanut butter playdough you can eat, activities and games for letters and words. Language As your child learns the sandpaper letters you can do this simple game. Newspaper …
Lesson of the Day 1
June 30, 2007
Today's Fun Time is brought to you by the letter A featuring An Ant's World and a Rainbow of colors. Life Skills: Pouring exercise Materials needed: 2 small pitchers Rice or small beans TrayMethod: Place on the tray one pitcher filled with rice and the other empty pitcher or container. …
Lesson of the Day 3
June 30, 2007
Today’s learning and fun is brought to your by letter c featuring calendar, caterpillar and clouds. Calendar Time You can use a calendar to teach counting, days of the week, months of the year, 12 months in a year, seven days in a week, events, and even talk about daily …
Lesson of the Day 7
June 30, 2007
Lesson of the Day 7 Brought to you by the letters "t" & "m" Terrific tails Circle on a string Sharing Game-Division Mirror Math Counting with Cereal 0's Letter games Introduce the letters t and m using the 3 period lesson . T is for tail, toast and toys. T-t-t-the …
Montessori Newsletter 10
June 30, 2007
Brought to you by fun Walks, Great Links, Control of Error, Body Puzzle, Finger Plays & Golden Bead Material Shopping ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Happy Spring and Fall! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It's a great time to go for a walk to observe the changes in nature right now. Here are some other neighborhood walks you …
Simple and Fun Painting Ideas
June 30, 2007
Salt or Sugar Paint In a bowl mix together: 2 teaspoons of salt or sugar 1 teaspoon of liquid starch A few drops of tempera paint Have fun painting. Hint: to make the texture rougher add fine or rough sand White sand paint looks great as snow in a painting. …
Art Recipes
June 30, 2007
FUN DOUGH (teacher approved as the best recipe!) Mix together in a large bowl: 2 ¼ Cups of all-purpose wheat flour 1 Cup salt 2 Tablespoons Cream of Tartar ¼ Cup vegetable oil Stir in and quickly beat: 1 ½ Cups Boiling water Divide into several sections and add a …
Dessert Recipes
June 30, 2007
Giggling Gelatin These are always a big hit at any party. Creamy gigglers You’ll need: 2 ½ cups boiling water 2 large packages (8 oz) or 4 small (4oz) packages of your favorite flavored gelatin 1 cup cold milk 1 small (4 oz) package of vanilla instant pudding Stir, for …
Numbers and Quantities Game
June 30, 2007
Here is the printout Put the right amount of toasted O or favorite cereal on the circles below the number. Provide the exact amount of cereal needed to complete the exercise. Control of error All the cereal pieces should be used. If not, there will too few or too many …
Montessori's Thoughts on Babies
June 30, 2007
I have been going through my lectures by Miss Child from the early 70's at the St. Nicholas Training Center. I am still amazed at Montessori's advanced ideas about newborn babies. Over 70 years ago Montessori had the same ideas concerning newborn babies as are being published today. Here are …
Sand Candles and Rain Gauge Activities
June 30, 2007
Family Weekend Projects This is a great learning activity for kids. You just need to make sure an adult is controlling the hot wax. Candle making in the sand In an old large tin can put in pieces of old candles or paraffin wax. Slowly melt the wax in the …
Drink Recipes
June 30, 2007
Fizzy Fruit Coolers Large bottles of club soda-chilled Favorite fruit juice-chilled Fill a glass 1/3 full with juice; next pour the fizzy water to fill the glass ¾ 's full It’s a great tasting treat. You can make this with lemonade too. (If you want a stronger taste, use concentrated …
Why does my child bite other children?
June 30, 2007
Why does my child bite other children? I know that this can be really embarrassing for parents. Many times the child who bites is the victim and not the aggressor. A child who is being overpowered by other children physically often times bites in self-defense. Also, when language is delayed …
How to reduce stress in your family
June 30, 2007
Money can be the main cause of tension and strife in a family. One of the best ways to promote harmony and happiness is to control your money and not let your money control you. Here are some money saving ideas that may be helpful to your family. Sit down …
My child cries every day before going to school. What can I do?
June 30, 2007
My child cries every day before going to school. What can I do? When my children were young they needed to get up early and spend some time with me playing and enjoying a leisurely breakfast. Children can actually feel rejected if they are rushed out of the house to …
My Child is out of Control, what can I do?
June 30, 2007
Sometimes parents ask, "Why does my child hit and push other children?" In fact often, my child won't share or even take turns. They wonder if their child might even be a bully. Children, who exhibit this behavior. often times are leaders who like to push limits. You can't do …
Answers to common Questions
June 30, 2007
Question Hi, this is the first time I was on your sight. WOW! thank you. I just started homeschooling my children. I have a couple of questions. #1 in the sensorial category you mention Pink tower (does it have to be pink?), cylinders, stair, and so on. These items are …
Book Corner
June 30, 2007
Book ReviewsHere are some free Montessori books! Understood Betsy Understood Betsy, by Dorothy Canfield Fisher, is a delightful, fictional story of a young girl who finally comes into her own to achieve happiness in a Montessori environment. This is a great story for parents to read before starting a Montessori …
What is your Child's Learning Talent?
June 30, 2007
What is your child's talent? We all are born with God given talents. Talents can be apparent or hidden. Also, talents can change over time. Here is a fun non-scientific survey to help you figure out your child's talent. This quiz is designed for young children, keep in mind how …
Language
June 30, 2007
Your child has exceptional linguistic ability. Your child could be the next president. Also, your child may be the next Dale Carnegie, Dr. Suess, or JK Rowland. Your child can hear things and remember them easily. They are often advanced readers and learn to talk quickly. They enjoy telling stories. …
Logic
June 30, 2007
Your child has a great analytical ability. You may be living with the next Einstein, Marie Curie, or Bill Gates. Your child likes to categorize things, places, and looks for interrelationships between ideas, things and activities. They like computers, science and math. to place post this result to your blog, …
Birthday Party Ideas
June 30, 2007
Birthday Parties Just for Kids Birthday parties for toddlers and preschoolers are happy, fun filled events. They can be a joy and delight for everyone. When planning a party for young children, there are two main things to consider, the number of guests and party planning. Fun and Easy Party …
Montessori Newsletter 14
June 30, 2007
Montessori Potty Training & Bored Babies This newsletter is brought to you by "Keeping Babies Amused" and "The Joys of Potty Training!" ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Keeping Babies Amused Babies have such unique personalities. My babies were pretty active, and sometimes seemed bored. Here are a few things I did with my babies …
Dinosaurs and Rocks
June 30, 2007
D d d the dinosaur sound, d makes a dinosaur sound!--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This newsletter is brought to you by dinosaurs and rocks. Dinosaurs and rocks can be introduced and studied by preschool children and by elementary students who are using the Great Lessons- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Geology is a great Key Lesson for …
Montessori Newsletter 19
June 30, 2007
This Newsletter is brought to you by fun field trips to the mall, snow sculpting, your questions answered, talking to baby, and Reading Corner. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Here are two of my favorite math links- Hand made manipulatives- On line Math Worksheet Generator ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Field Trip to the Mall The Field Trip …
Christmas and Holiday List
June 30, 2007
You can find great deals before the holidays. It's perfect because you aren't rushed and can take time to shop. Also, those popular items are plentiful.When I bought my Montessori materials in Holland, I found many educational toys were used for younger Montessori students. In fact, we used educational toys …
Exercises for the Moveable Alphabet
June 30, 2007
Introductory Exercises for the Moveable Alphabet 1. Your child can build words on the mat on his or her own. Encourage your child to try any words that he or she wishes. 2. Have a box containing small objects whose names are three lettered. For example, pig, box, hat, nut, …
Scent Bottles
June 30, 2007
Age 3 to 6 years Smell and taste is very acute for a young child. This exercise helps develop the sense of smell. You can make these scent bottles very easily. Materials: 12 to 16 similar plastic or glass containers with lids (old baby food jars, spice jars, medicine bottles, …
Number Frames
June 30, 2007
Age 4 1/2 and older Part One Purpose: To learn the numerals 10 through 19 and associate the quantity with them. Also, learn the sequence of the numbers. Material: One set of bead stair (1 through 9) Nine golden 10 count bead bars Presentation: 1) Let your child put the …
Party Games and Activities
June 30, 2007
Paper Bag Piñata This is an easy and fun activity to do outside or in a garage. Materials: A large paper bag (the largest from the grocery store) Glue Tissue, construction or any colorful paper String Prizes, such as wrapped candy, plastic toys, small balls, fun erasers, etc. A plastic …
Grammar Exercises
June 30, 2007
Grammar is the role of words in the context of language. English grammar is one of the most complicated of any language. Children absorb grammar from conversations with parents and other adults, but here are some exercises to help reinforce the structures of grammar. The best way for children to …
Creativity
June 30, 2007
Your child has strong spatial ability. Your may be living with the next famous astronomer such as Carl Sagin or the next cutting edge artist such as Picasso or Frida Kahlo. These children can spot everything, including candy hidden behind your back. They know where everything is located in the …
Short Bead Stair
June 30, 2007
Print out of bead stair for coloring Purpose: To Teach Addition Tables Materials: A mat A box containing the following bead stair: -0- 1 red bead -00- 2 green beads -000- 3 pink beads -00000- 4 yellow beads -00000- 5 light blue beads -000000- 6 purple beads -0000000- 7 white …
Adventure
June 30, 2007
Your child has exceptional charisma and physical ability. You may be living with the next great athlete, Tiger Woods or Serena Williams. These children can even grown up to be actors. Don't be surprised if your child is the next Richard Burton or Nicole Kidman. Your adventurous child may even …
Why Can't My Child Read?
June 30, 2007
Your child may have one or more of these problems that prevent her or him from reading. Does your child have a strong grasp of the alphabet and its phonetic sounds? Does he or she know the exceptions to the rule of pure phonics, such as silent "e"? Sight-reading, memorizing …
Montessori Sensorial Education and Early Math Experiences
June 30, 2007
Montessori believed that you should introduce math to young children as "materialized abstractions." This was accomplished with hands on apparatus for math. Montessori believed that a strong foundation of math at a young age (preschool) prevented children from failing in math later on. "Math phobias" are a common symptom of …
Sensorial Sound Boxes
June 30, 2007
Sound Boxes Ages 2 ½ to 5 years Sound is a sense that develops listening skills. Listening is one of the building blocks for language development, reading and comprehension. Sound is the foundation of music as well.You can make them with recycled material. Tea bags that come in metal cylinders …
Ant City in a Glass Jar
June 30, 2007
Ant CityFind a very large, clean jar with a lid. Hammer small holes in the lid for air. Put a smaller jar or solid object in the middle of the jar. Fill it with clean sand or crushed Styrofoam. Push a few cotton balls soaked in sugar water into the …
Junk Yard Art
June 30, 2007
City of Boxes Materials: Empty containers such as cereal, crackers, pasta, cardboard rolls, toothpaste boxes, oatmeal boxes, etc.A large piece of cardboard or poster board Glue Crayons markers and colored paperMethod: Make tall, wide, short, and small buildings with your cardboard containers. Glue them together and place on the poster …
Food Recipes for Kids
June 30, 2007
Microwave Crunchy Party Mix ¼ Cup melted butter 2 teaspoons of either onion powder, garlic powder, for sweeter mix, use cinnamon and nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice. 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce- for the sweeter recipe use honey instead of Worcestershire sauce. 7 cups of square cereal, oarties, corn puffs, or …
Counting Chain Arrows
June 30, 2007
Here is a print out of the counting chain arrows Here is a print out of blank arrows The Counting Chain really orginated from a lesson in square roots for older children. The younger children in the classroom were attracted to the 100 and 1000 golden bead chain and began …
Counting Games
June 30, 2007
Pre-Math Counting Activities Counting Game Purpose: To learn how to count. Arrangement of objects does not affect the same quantity. Materials: 2 to 10 small identical shapes, such as wooden blocks Put the blocks in a row left to right (horizontally)Count with your child 1,2,3,4,5 (use the number of blocks …
Maria Montessori Links
June 30, 2007
Read "Montessori Method" By Maria Montessori Online. Photos of Maria Montessori-this google image search has many photographs of Dr. Montessori.Montessori Photos offer lots of pictures of Dr. Montessori and students from around the world.Montessori Mom Links of the Day-Daily links to Montessori theory, classroom and homeschooling information, lessons curriculum, scope …
What is Sensorial Education?
June 30, 2007
"Thought is his human birthright, all education aims at helping the individual to think clearly about them instead of half-knowing things all in a muddle." (Phoebe Child) Sensorial education helps develop a child's intellect. Whether you believe intelligence is genetic or produced by environment, you can further it by education. …
How to Pick out a Preschool
June 30, 2007
When looking for a preschool or daycare, there are eleven questions that every parent must ask themselves about each school. Print out this list, and look it over before and after you visit each school. Is the classroom child oriented? When you first see a classroom sometimes you are impressed …
My child doesn't want to use sandpaper letters
June 30, 2007
My daughter doesn’t want to do the sandpaper letters, but is very interested in writing. What can I do instead? Sandpaper letters are great for teaching the sounds of the alphabet and eventually the names of the letters. Some children love them but it’s all right if your child doesn’t …
Strange but True Facts about Maria Montessori
June 30, 2007
Something about a girl named Maria… When Maria Montessori was born, August 30, 1870, Italy had just become a united country. During this time girls were not allowed a public education. A girl’s family, and the Catholic Church, determined her education. Women belonged to their fathers, husbands, brothers, and uncles. …
How to Make a Butterfly Garden
June 30, 2007
By planting the right flowers-cone like and clustered blossoms- and having your birdbath full of water (Butterflies will drink from your birdbath.) you will have a garden full of butterflies! Suggested flower and plants to attract butterflies: Purple flowers on onion chives Snap dragons Asters Phlox Clover Alfalfa Daisy Impatiens …
Montessori for Special Needs
June 30, 2007
I am currently doing a research paper on the Montessori method and education for children who are mentally challenged. Do you know of anybody that can help me with literature, or that can answer some questions? If so please let me know. Thank you There is a book by R.C. …
What is the Montessori Method
June 30, 2007
"I have studied the child. I have taken what the child has given me and expressed it and that is what is called the Montessori method." Dr. Maria Montessori. The Montessori Method is a way about thinking about who children are. It is a philosophy that respects the unique individuality …
Sensorial Impressions vs Sensorial Education
June 30, 2007
"Thought is his human birthright, all education aims at helping the individual to think clearly about them instead of half-knowing things all in a muddle." (Phoebe Child) Sensorial education helps develop a child's intellect. Whether you believe intelligence is genetic or produced by environment, you can further it by education. …
Cylinder Cards
June 30, 2007
Print out this PDF to make cards to use with cylinders or knobless cylinders, you can print them out onto cardstock, or heavyweight paper cut them out and glue the same colored pieces into a continuous strip, or they can be cut out individually and your child can put them …
Sensitive Periods for Learning
June 30, 2007
The Absorbent Mind Maria Montessori believed that every human being went through a quantum leap in learning during the preschool years. She felt this was especially true from birth to the first few years of life. The years when a child learns language is surely a profound and mysterious process …
Free Montessori Materials Printouts & Downloads
June 30, 2007
These are some great printable education materials: Free Montessori Printout for Sandpaper Alphabet Cards Montessori Sandpaper Alphabet Cards Here are some great directions how to make sandpaper letters! Love the pictures. Montessori Stamp Clock Printouts You can use this printout to make clock bingo. Montessori Cylinder Cards Extensions Montessori Largest …
Fantasy vs Reality learning
June 30, 2007
As part of a community research project for the Montessori school my daughter attends, we are researching the debate on reality-based versus fantasy-based learning materials. I would be most grateful if you could suggest readings or websites that address this topic. When looking for information I would look for key …
Art Supplies - Basics to Buy
June 30, 2007
You just need simple art supplies. Here are some suggestion's Crayons, big ones if your child is starting to hold a pencil Pencils, again the large kindergarten ones if your child is a beginner Scissors, safety plastic ones with metal blades made for preschool children Watercolor & tempera paint Food …
Art Supplies - Free
June 30, 2007
Free Art supplies These recycled items are easy to find. Feathers Old socks Buttons Spools Jar lids Plastic jars Beans Rice Cereal Macaroni Plastic tubs & lids Corks Cardboard tubes Grocery trays Cardboard Styrofoam trays, peanuts, balls Egg cartons Berry baskets Boxes Cans Popsicle sticks Beads Rocks Straws Toothpicks Stir …
Montessori Potty Training
June 30, 2007
Sensitive Period for Potty Training (Toilet Teaching, Learning) When my oldest child was 18 months old, my pediatrician told me that the easiest time to start potty training was between the ages of 18 months to 2 ½ years old. I think that many toddlers are ready to learn at …
Dressing Frames
June 30, 2007
Age 2 ½ to 6 years old 8 Dressing frames- Buttons( large first, smaller ones later) Velcro Snaps Hooks and Eyes Zipper Buckles Shoe lacing Bows Material: Wooden Frames (each frame is 12inches by 12 inches) On each side is nailed or stapled a finished piece of material. The material …
Costumes
June 30, 2007
Homemade costumes are so much fun to make with your child. Here are some simple ideas. Silly clown shoes Materials: 2 shoe boxes and lids Scissors Paper or tissue Tape Decorations such as buttons, shoestrings, bows, ribbon, etc. School glue Cut out holes on the bottoms of the shoe boxes …
Counting Chain and Bead Stair
June 30, 2007
Newsletter 16 This Newsletter is brought to you by- The Counting Chain, Bead Stair Coloring Printout Questions Answered –How to introduce finger painting and finger print art The bug of the month-The Tarantula Happy September Everyone! It's great to have my old computer running again! I have a 6 year …
Montessori Training Resources
June 30, 2007
United Montessori Association Offers teacher training and certification programs over the internet. The Montessori World Educational Institute offers three courses for the education of children. Course I focuses on children ages 2 to 5, Course II focuses on children 2 to 7, Course IIa focuses on children 5 - 7, …
The Three Period Lesson
June 30, 2007
Teach your child new concepts and names of objects using this approach. With slow and deliberate movements show your child 2 of the concepts you wish to teach, such as: big-small, tall-short, wide-narrow, light-heavy, smooth-rough, soft-hard-etc., using the appropriate objects. For example to teach the concept of big and small …
An example of a newsletter, sign up now!
June 30, 2007
Sign up for our free Newsletter E-mail: Brought to you by the Moon, Rocks in the Sky, Star Gazing, and Paper Folding As the seasons change, now is a great time of the year to get a blanket, hot chocolate, binoculars or a telescope, and do some sky watching. The …
Music
June 30, 2007
Your child has an exceptional musical talent. You may be living with the next Mozart or Carol King. Your child has strong musical opinions, remembers tunes easily, and loves to hear the sounds of nature. He or she can hear when people sing off key! Here are some ideas to …
Geometric Cabinet Insets, Cards and Activities
June 30, 2007
Free downloadable circle cards Free downloadable rectangle cards Free downloadable triangle cards Age: 3 to 5 years old Purpose: Visual and tactile knowledge of geometric forms. Awareness and observation of geometric forms in the environment. Smooth and coordinated movement. Knobs enhance pencil grip. Promotes a foundation for later study of …
Montessori Newsletter 11
June 30, 2007
Brought to you by Practical Life for the Family, Granola Crunch, Fantasy and Young Children, How to teach your preschooler how to paint, Milk Paint recipe, Ant City and Reading Fun and Montessori Quotes. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Practical Life for the Family- Straighten out drawers, toys, closets, using a Montessori sorting method …
Summer Fun
June 30, 2007
Summer Fun & Freedom- brought to you by Walking the Line, Animals at the Zoo, Montessori Sandbox, Camper's Delight, and Your Questions Answered. --------------------------------------------------------------------- It's soon approaching Independence Day. Dr. Montessori was a great believer in freedom and independence for children to become good and productive people. Regardless of where …
Montessori Newsletter 15
June 30, 2007
This newsletter is brought to you by the bug of the month, classroom ideas, baby’s first classroom, “Music for Moppets” and your questions answered- Hello Everyone, School started last week in Colorado. If you are homeschooling, I am sure the learning never stops! Here a great homeschooling site you might …
Snake Game (Addition)
June 30, 2007
1. Snake game (Addition) Addition Age: 5 ½ and older 2. Purpose: To learn addition tables Also, shows the concept of changing number systems. Teaches base 10 with the golden beads. Teaches ones place with the black and white bead stair. Pre multiplication and division. Teaches the law of equality …
Sprouts and Grow It Again
June 30, 2007
This newsletter is brought to you by farming. I love farming and gardening. I don't care if it is sprouting radish and broccoli seeds to put on my salad or growing pots of baby lettuce year round. Here are somethings you can do. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Sprout 6 beans on a wet paper …
Negative Snake Game (Subtraction)
June 30, 2007
Subtraction Age: 6 and older 2. Purpose: Teach the concept of zero, negative and positive numbers. Teaches concrete concept of subtraction as well as the higher levels of algebra- equations of equal quantity and making the computation functions the same. 3. Materials: A box of colored bead bars A box …
Washing Up
June 30, 2007
Washing your hands is a great way to prevent illness. I encourage children to sing or chant a little song while they wash their hands. It helps them to wash their hands long enough to remove dirt and germs. They can sing or chant the ABC song or count all …