A Lesson, Please?

The best way I can describe the activity of our classroom is humming along - like a busy hive...  I find that I've been in the midst of many new presentations and the children are appreciating the boundaries of a Montessori classroom.  I hear the children say, "I would like to use these (the bells, for example) and I've never done it before so could I have a lesson please?" This always brings a smile to my face.  I appreciate the fact that they can clearly articulate their interest and want know how to use a particular material.  Here are some snapshots of our week together:

Transferring water with a small ladle.  The lids are behind the tray on the table which the children must remove (opening practice) to begin the activity and replace (closing practice) at the end.  Also, I have specifically saved these jars because they show the outline of Italy so well - a geography too! :)  The ladle is a new tool for everyone and this lesson has been in constant use.

Tweezing small bells - its hard to see in this picture, but the bells are the small craft bells.  The children are very much enjoying this activity.

Using two Solid Cylinder Blocks for a little extra challenge.

Here, two children are working together to learn the names of the continents with the Puzzle Map of the World.

This child has received a new lesson- - Static Addition with the Stamp Game.

Reviewing quantity and symbol with the Number Rods and Cards.

I added the Montessori Bells to our shelves this week!  Please be sure to read more about this DYI set in THIS post.  It is always so lovely to have the bells being used...! :)

Working with our Seasons Timeline.

Looking at pictures in our Continent Folder for Africa.  I appreciate how this student has carefully lined the photos up at the edge of the circular table - it looks so inviting! :)

A multiplication lesson with the Golden Beads:  2,234 x 3 = 6,702.

Addition with two sets of Small Number Rods.

Number Writing practice.

More multiplication!

Coloring a Short Bead Stair (numbers 1-9).

Helping a fried tie his shoe. :)

Geography: Land and Water Forms - System of Lakes/Archipelago.

Building words with the Moveable Alphabet.

Letter sound/symbol 'c' language work.

Building concentration and and fine motor skills with this new water transfer activity.

Carefully creating a a pattern with the pegboard.

Initial lesson of the Metal Insets - a material which promotes writing skills.

Introduction to the Decimal System - counting the Thousand Cube with the Hundred Square.

Working with the Solid Cylinders.

Grammar lesson with symbols:  Conjunction

Understanding the concept of zero:  Spindle Boxes.

Walking the Line:  Although it cannot be seen, the child in this photo is holding a flag while completing this exercise.

Practical Life:  Spooning balsam fir - smells great! :)

Enjoying a quiet moment with the Individual Silence Game.

Numbers 1-9 re-enforcement with an extension of the Short Bead Stair. 

Sewing with the Sewing Block.

Writing prep with the Botany Cabinet - tracing leaf shapes.

Painting with two colors.

Language development and writing preparation with the Geometric Demonstration Tray.

Counting the Decimal System

Exploring size and dimension with the Knobless Cylinders.

Metal Polishing

More fun with the Sensorial materials - I love how this student took of his shoes to complete the work! :)