In our Montessori classroom this week..



I truly enjoy sharing activities we have been doing at our Montessori classroom. This week I had precious moments when I could just sit back and observe children. There was one thing that made me appreciate  a privilege that I have of working in Montessori classroom all over again. In Montessori classrooms children compete with oneself: self-monitoring, self-correction, and a variety of other executive skills that support constant improvement. Competition like the one described in the story is about giving your best performance, and be content with the fact that you did the best you can. It encourages other peers to do the same.  Allow me share with this amazing story I read recently in one of the most inspiring books:

This happened at the USCF National Scholastic Chess Tournament. The competition for the first-grade title was down to two boys. One was clearly in the lead. Then he made a punishing mistake: after his move, he forgot to stop his clock. Unless he realised his error, his time would run out and he'd lose the game. The coaches paced around the room nervously. The audience was stone silent. No one was allowed to tell the young boy about the clock. The only person in the room who was allowed to was his opponent, the other six-year-old sitting across the table, and he was under no obligation to do so. Why should he? If his opponent failed to stop his clock, he would win. As the clock ticked on, everyone held their breath. Then the other boy - Michael -  leaned over and whispered into the ear of his opponent, who subsequently put his clock down, he went on to win the match. Later on one of the kids asked Michael, "Did you know that if you hadn't said anything you could have won?" He replied, " I didn't want to win that way. That's not really winning". Source

So here are some activities we did last week: 

 A craft activity linked to our learning program about France: clothes design


Practising to make threading patterns..



This activity is linked to Autumn/Winter theme: sensory tray with winter colours. Children were using magnify glass to search for bugs..



This is a practical life activity that includes an opportunity to  exercise grace and courtesy: sharing small carrot/ raisin snacks children made with their friends. 


Another practical life activity to demonstrate dinner table set up. Later on it was beautiful to see that children came up with extension to this activity: after setting up the table they pretended to be waiters at the restaurant and were serving food to each other.  



Threading job for making necklaces and bracelets ..




Practical life activity: making Weetbix snack.. 



I LOVE THIS ONE! Teaching symmetry.. Check out comments for leaf print out link!



That's all, folks! Hope you found some good ideas for your classrooms!

For more Montessori - Inspired activities visit my Facebook page.


Here are some awesome discoveries on Amazon (affiliate links):
Memory Tray 1: Memory Tray I has four compartments with hinged lids to hold objects. Objects are placed into each compartment, they are studied, then the doors are closed. Memory is tested first by recalling objects in any order, and later in exact, sequential order: left-to-right and right-to-left. Includes 4 colour tiles and 12 picture tiles.

Little Folks Visuals Sea Life Felt Set - 40 Figures : Dolphins, whales and exotic sea life, 40 figures in all, along with a descriptive booklet are included in this water-world set.
undefined
Deep in the rain forest camouflaged against dense vegetation, hides unique animals. A tapir slumbers by the sleepy three toad sloth, while toucans and monkeys swing in the trees. Set Include: - 13" x 15" Felt Play Board - Over 20 Pre-cut Felt Pieces - Plastic Storage Bag (for easy clean up!) These educational felt board stories provide endless hours of creativity and storytelling. They are great as a travel toy or for play time at home, preschool and day care. Flannel board sets are also great resources for homeschool and special education. Felt manipulative pieces develop hands-on learning and hand-eye coordination. Inspire creativity with a Learning Fun with Felt set today!

Unknown

4 comments:

  1. Hello; I would love to replicate your symmetry activity with the kiddos in my kindergarten classroom. Where did you find your leaf printables?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sparkle Box is a fantastic source of free printouts! http://www.sparklebox.co.uk/topic/world-around-us/weather-and-seasons/autumn.html#.Uc4XTyp-9Ms
    Have Fun :)))

    ReplyDelete
  3. Yes! I love your symmetry activity, too!! Awesome!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Montessori Nature13 April 2014 at 02:11

      I am glad to hear that!

      Delete

What did I miss? Share your thoughts below!

top navigation

Instagram