Another Two Weeks and Counting

The past two weeks have been shorter due to a teacher workshop day and a holiday.  The weeks just seems to be flying by and our lessons in the classroom have been nonstop!  Most mornings go by so quickly that near the end, I realize that not many photos have to taken and I have not had many chances to document activity on Montessori Compass, the program we use for recored keeping.  Just as importantly, however, I am enjoying the small moments with my children (the students in my classroom will always be "my children…") - like when they smile and and say, "I really like this lesson," with the Stamp Game.  Or when another child masters the Sandpaper Letters and has a new lesson with the Moveable Alphabet, feeling so proud and accomplished.  Even when there are a few tears at drop off and another child offers a tissue with some encouraging words, "It will be ok.  Sometimes I miss my mom too…"  These are the moments that are the hardest to document, but the easiest to hold in the heart!
Here are some pictures I did manage to take over the past two weeks.  We also had a trumpet demonstration by my son who visited the classroom one day.  It was a day that not many pictures were taken, so unfortunately I do not have any to share of it.  Additionally, one of the children had a family member visiting from Alaska who was able to visit us and share about life in faraway state.
  

Gaining an understanding of teen numbers with the Teen Bead Hanger.

An indirect preparation to multiplication - grouping like numbers and finding their sum with the Addition Snake Game.

A set of table top Number Rods and Cards - just a a bit of variety.

Setting up corresponding quantities and learning about odd and even numbers with the Cards and Counters lesson.

Reading practice with the Vowel Tree.  Here the student was exploring various letter combinations to see if they made words.

Recording work from the Short Chains - practicing linear and skip counting as well as multiples of numbers.

Using a Geography Booklet to record findings.

Practicing writing Puzzle Words (or sight words).  This student has decided to write each word  in different colors,  once in print and once in cursive.

Counting teen numbers and making corresponding number symbols with the Teen Beads and Boards.  This lesson also introduces children to the concept of place value.

Reading three-letter phonetic words using three-part cards.

More work with the Addition Snake Game - the child is using a variation to check one's work by grouping like numbers together.  It worked out well - 44 matched up just right!

Exploration of size and dimension using the Pink Tower.

Looking at various pictures in our Continent Folder for South America.

Pairing primary and secondary colors with the Second Color Box.

Sensorially exploring the Binomial Cube.

The sum during a Dynamic Addition lesson with the golden beads.

Spelling practice with 'e' words from the Language Works program.

An extension activity with the Cards and Counters lesson.  The children enjoy coloring and writing the corresponding quantity and number symbols.

Addition with the Stamp Game.

Matching objects to their shapes.

Sounding out and writing words with the Large Moveable Alphabet.

Discovering how triangles can join together and make new shapes using the Constructive Triangles.

Using number "tickets" to make quantities for teen numbers.

Enjoying the watercolor art activity.

One of the children had a family member visiting from Alaska and she came to speak to our class.  It was a lovely, engaging visit which prompted active use of our Puzzle Map of North America.

Gearing Up

While I am thankful for the opportunities my family had during the six months we were in Russia for my husband's Fulbright teaching scholarship, I am also thrilled to be back home and back in the classroom that I missed so much.  Finally, I get to act on countless ideas I have had brewing in my mind during so many months away!

Glad to be back!  My daughter took this picture when she came with me to school for the first time since our return at the end of June.   

During my time away, I had the opportunity to check in on classroom happenings via Montessori Compass, which my school uses for record keeping and sharing information with parents.  Not only was I able to keep apprised of my students' progress throughout the year, but I also kept connected through viewing the daily photographs posted for each student.  With an 'outside eye,' I was able to see the classroom from a different perspective, an experience I value very much.  Nonetheless, through viewing the photos from this perspective, I also noticed the main rug in our classroom was wearing out and looking a bit tired.  So, the first order of business upon my return:

Our new rug (along with some new shelving for the bells).  Of course one thing leads to another - the new rug and shelves led to updating the calendar and morning message areas used during circle time.  Next, tape will be added for the Walking the Line activity.

Our previous rug was bright and beautiful with many colors.  While I loved its lively colors, I wanted to go with a neutral tone this time around.  It was my intention to bring out the beauty of the Montessori materials and let them 'stand on their own.'  The rug has given the room a new feel and I think I have succeeded in bringing the eye to directly to the materials.  Naturally, a new rug in the central part of the classroom called for a new rug in the math area:

When I ordered this rug, a picture and description indicated it to be the 'Nines' rug.   I thought, "How perfect is that for the math area?!"  Well, not so much - somehow the image was reversed and they are not the 'nines' as shown in the picture online, but a reversed image.  I am still loving the look and feel of the rug - my instinct is to make a lesson looking at the rug with a mirror and finding the nines…  

Over the summer, I also ordered a beautiful poster portrait of Maria Montessori.  Last year, the children in my class learned a special song about her and I always wanted a proper portrait on display.  Now, we have one:

The Peace area in our classroom - the perfect place of honor for Maria Montessori!
"Within the child lies the fate of the future."   

Since the classroom is now adorned with the new rugs and portrait, I thought this might be an ideal time to update the bulletin boards in the hallway as well.  I have always admired the natural tones of classroom spaces inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach and decided our bulletin boards would be a fun place to experiment with this.

One of two boards in the hallway leading to our cubby space.  I used burlap and twine along with the black and white Moroccan-themed border (which I LOVE!).  The small, wooden clothespins are an effective and easy way to display the children's artwork and projects.  I can hardly wait to see boards these filled up! :-)

Next up, planning and organizing the shelves by curriculum area - an endeavor which will undoubtedly take up the rest of my classroom time between now and the beginning of school.  Stay tuned for updates as they come along and thanks for stopping by - it's great to be back!

Montessori Compass: Parent Education

With many new students in the classroom this year, I am giving extra attention to a critical component to any successful Montessori program - parent education.  While many of our new students are siblings from previous families, parents can still benefit from learning more about Montessori theory and philosophy. After all, there is always more to learn!  Thankfully, we utilize a valuable tool that not only aids us in general record keeping in the classroom, but also in educating parents about all things Montessori.

If you are not familiar with the online recording keeping system, Montessori Compass, please be sure to read a brief description on THIS POST or visit their website.  The purpose of this post is to bring to your awareness the incredible resource Montessori Compass provides for parents.

Parents of students whose teachers utilize this program have a huge amount of information available at their fingertips!  Having logged into their personal accounts, users can find the tab 'Parent Resources' in the 'My Backpack' heading.  Clicking here, a parent is brought to a page with the headings 'Montessori 101' and 'Montessori Materials.'  Under 'Montessori 101,' Tim Seldin, President of the Montessori Foundation, has prepared an extensive explanation of Montessori philosophy and links to details about specific curriculum areas.  Included in a 'General' section, is information and history of Maria Montessori, philosophy, and explanation of common myths associated with Montessori education.  This  alone would be more than adequate to begin educating parents, but there is more.

The Parent Resource page also includes a heading, 'Montessori Materials' which is an extensive list of many Montessori materials/lessons with detailed explanations and photographs.   There is no denying that such a resource is instrumental in helping parents to better understand not only their children's experiences in a Montessori setting, but also supports their own decision to have their child attend a Montessori school.  If you are a parent of one of my students, I recommend preparing a cup of coffee or tea before exploring this page, then ENJOY!

Three-Part Cards

The month of August would not be complete without the hum of the laminator as we approach the beginning of the school year - and this year is no different!  Recently, I purchased a beautiful set of three-part cards which will provide practice for beginning readers.  The following description of three-part cards is adapted from Montessori Compass, the online record keeping system used in my classroom:

This activity consists of three sets of cards: one contains the picture of an object, the next contains only the written name, and the third set shows the picture and the written name together. The child’s task is to organize the first set on a mat and then match both the word and the card from the third set together. This activity builds both oral and written vocabulary while reinforcing left to right directionality and organization.

First set of cards - Pictures only

Second set of cards - Words  
Here, the child sounds out word and matches it to the corresponding picture.

Third set of cards - Control Set: picture and word together.
Now, the child can check his/her work by matching the control card.

Three-part cards are fundamental language materials in any Montessori setting and can can be utilized across all curriculum areas.  One aspect I particularly appreciate about these materials is how flexible they are in meeting the needs of the child.  For example, younger students may wish to simply match the pictures while older students can record their work on paper.  In the past, I have even had some students want to make their own sets of three-part cards to take home!

I am experimenting with how to best store these cards on the shelf.  In doing so, I made some storage envelopes using colorful scrapbook paper (with the help of my trusty laminator!):

Each set of cards has their own opening...

...and the envelope can be folded shut (I used a velcro fastener to keep it closed).

Montessori Compass and Current Issues in Montessori Education

As some of my readers may know, I am currently working on a Master of Arts degree through the AM2 program at St. Catherine University.  In my course, Analysis of Contemporary Issues in Montessori Education, an interesting topic surfaced during one of our discussions.  We had been talking about challenges in Montessori education, specifically educating the public about our programs as well as our struggle to constantly debunk common misconceptions of the method.  One of my cohorts brought up another important issue - record keeping.  Imagine my delight to be able share with the group my experience with Montessori Compass and how it has addressed the very issues being discussed:

This is the second year I have been using Montessori Compass as my main record keeping system. Interestingly, I have found that using this online resource has addressed the other two issues being discussed: public education of Montessori and common misconceptions. I have seen firsthand the effect such an information sharing tool has had in my school community. Firstly, parents of my students have a direct link to the activities in which their children are participating at school including detailed information of the direct and indirect aims of a given lesson. This is a brilliant way to educate parents - and it takes no extra time (other than the time to customize the curriculum, input information, observations, etc.) This "window" into their child's day is much appreciated and met with enthusiasm. Overtime, trends can be seen and parents come to the realization of all that happens in a Montessori setting which paves the way for fewer misconceptions of the method.


Thank you, Montessori Compass for providing Montessori educators a platform to raise awareness and promote the philosophy in such an easily accessible manner.

Booklets and More Booklets...

Summer vacation.  Time to relax, rest, rejuvenate...  Well, perhaps in a perfect world that would be the case!  Between getting the floors refinished in the classroom, familiarizing myself with a new computer, and keeping up with three kids at home, however, I can't say we've been relaxing around here... ;)  Nevertheless, one of my favorite things to do (and believe it or not, it is relaxing for me) is to make materials for my classroom.

Can you guess what is happening here at my dining room table at home?

One of the items on my to-do list is to make new record keeping booklets for Sandpaper Letters.  Please read more about them in THIS POST if you are interested in understanding more about how these are utilized.  I know this little project is something that has to be done at some point before school starts, so I went ahead and finished it - one less thing to do in those busy days right before school  begins...

While making a new set for this Fall's students, I thought about how successful these record keeping booklets had been last year.  They not only helped me in keeping track of each child's progress, but also became a meaningful source of motivation for my students and me.  An exclamation could always be heard when a new letter was placed in a booklet - "Oh yay!  I got a letter in my booklet!" or "I have so many letters in my booklet - I only have two more left to do!  Let's do more Sandpaper Letters!"  One can imagine the motivation these exclamations from my students provided me.  As a result of the success with the Sandpaper Letter booklets, I have decided to make a set dedicated to math lessons with the Number Rods and Sandpaper Numbers.

Math Booklet for tracking lessons with Number Rods and Sandpaper Numbers .

Here, I will use the same principle as with the letter booklets - the first line of a triangle around a number will indicate introduction of a Number Rod for a particular number, the second line of the triangle will indicate that the child is working on the Number Rod,  while the third line of the triangle will indicate mastery of the Number Rod.  One aspect which slightly differs with the math booklets is that the record keeping is for  tracking two different  materials - the Number Rods and Sandpaper Numbers.  Therefore, once a child has a full triangle around a number, I will know they are ready for a corresponding Sandpaper Number introduction.  The introduction of the Sandpaper Number will be marked with a small dot inside the triangle.  When a child has mastered the Sandpaper Number, the triangle in their booklet will be lightly shaded and the number recorded in their booklet.  Also, if the child chooses, enough space can remain on each page to draw pictures which correspond with the number, i.e. eight stars to go with the number eight.

This shows that the child has mastered the Number Rod (triangle around the number),   has been introduced to the Sandpaper Number (dot inside the triangle), and mastered the Sandpaper Number (shaded triangle).

While it might seem a bit complicated, it works for me in the midst of lessons.  I can easily see which numbers have been introduced, and which one the child is working on or mastered.  Also, these booklets are a quick reference while inputting information in student Montessori Compass reports.

I have a feeling these math booklets might generate just as much motivation for lessons with the Number Rods and Sandpaper Numbers as the letter booklets made for language Sound Games and Sandpaper Letters!

Montessori Monday Link-Up

Montessori Compass: Extended Trial Offer!

 

Let's get to know Montessori Compass!

This is exciting news - Anita and Rob Amos, founders of Montessori Compass, have generously offered my readers an additional discounted three month trial period to become acquainted with their on-line, time saving, and valuable record keeping system!  Here's what they had to say:

If any of your readers would like to see how Montessori Compass works in their classroom, here's a promo code. Just click the Get Started link at www.montessoricompass.com to start your 30-day free trial and enter promo code "TOTHELESSON" to receive an additional 3 months of service @ 50% discount.

How fantastic is that?  I hope you will take this opportunity to see firsthand what a powerful tool this is not only for Montessori educators, but for parents as well.  Once again, thank you Montessori Compass for helping our global Montessori community!

Montessori Compass: Progress Reports

 Now that the school year is competed, I thought it would be the ideal time to share with you one of the convenient features of Montessori Compass. Please read more about this user-friendly, time saving, online recording keeping system HERE if you have not done so already - it really is a wonderful tool for Montessori educators, schools, and families.  One feature which I recently utilized for the first time was the Progress Report generator.  This compilation of data is meant to share with parents the various lessons and activities in which their child has participated as well as the level of current work.  The best part is that when the time comes to process a Progress Report, the most challenging work is already done - the information is simply gathered from all the record keeping and observation input previously entered by the teacher throughout a chosen time frame.  For example, when it came time for me to make the Progress Reports, all I had to do was enter the dates for which I wanted the information to begin and end, and Montessori Compass did the rest!  Amazing, I know!  I also found the 'Teacher Comment' feature highly useful in sharing personalized information about each child.  In addition to the availability to write a General Summary for the student, what was most helpful is the fact that each curriculum area allows for a personal comment from the teacher.   What a perfect way to personalize the information for parents! Thank you, Montessori Compass for making it so convenient for me and the parents of my students.

Montessori Compass: Navigating the Classroom

Let's get to know Montessori Compass!

A few months ago, I was fortunate to have discovered Montessori Compass and take part in their 60-day free trial.  I came across their site and was immediately drawn in when I read, "Don't settle for being the best kept secret in town!"  Yes! That's it.  For some time I have really felt as if so much wonderful learning happens in my classroom, yet parents are often unaware of all that occurs.  Despite my efforts in sharing information via this blog, there remains a portion of my targeted audience (parents of my students) that are missing some very key information.  I found myself in the midst of an ongoing quest to bridge this gap...and then, I found Montessori Compass!  Little did I know how fortuitous this would be for not only for my School, but also they way I guide my students in the Montessori classroom.  Simply put, Montessori Compass is the most comprehensive, user-friendly, online record keeping system available.  It is a valuable tool for teachers, administrators, and parents alike. 

Since I am very much a creature of habit and historically have never responded to well to change, I approached the free trial with a touch of apprehension.  I was so used to the traditional system of my trusty pen, paper, and clipboard to keep track of my student's progress and lessons.  But I was compelled to move forward - while these copious notes were useful for me, they were of little use as far as information sharing with parents.    Montessori Compass promised to bridge the gap between school and home, and I wanted to experience exactly that!  So, I began experimenting with the program by entering student information so that I could track their lessons.  My trusty pen and clip board sat nearby - just in case.

Then, one morning, you know the kind - when it seems as if things don't go so well with wandering kids who appear not to make appropriate choices, squandered lessons, and general lack of motivation from the kids... I realized something.  I had diligently entered my classroom observations, tracked the children's lessons, and even uploaded the day's photos into their individual albums and there it was, right in front of me -  they had a great day and my record keeping on Montessori Compass proved it.  I was hooked.  And do you know what else I noticed?  My clipboard.  It had been sitting, untouched, for several weeks, and I didn't miss it at all!

During this time, I also got to know how the lessons are organized and named within the system.  One aspect which has been especially user friendly is the capability to customize lesson names and curriculum headings to fit one's desired order...  Admittedly, I am somewhat of a stranger to the latest technological advances and definitely have never considered myself technologically savvy.  Here, I must give credit to the reliable support staff which was incredibly helpful in answering my questions as they arose.  Working with Montessori Compass has been simple, fun, and a little addicting!  :)  I LOVE seeing the results of my hard work and my student's progress in front of me each day.  Even more importantly, the information can now available to share with parents.

I decided to take it a step further and designated a few parents to be 'demo parents' as I learned the system, specifically how the 'Activity Reports' would be reflected on their accounts.  In order to maximize benefits for parents, I spent many hours inputting lesson descriptions and uploading photos of materials.  Since this time, Montessori Compass has upgraded the system to include its own descriptions and photos of lessons and materials.  While I value this added bonus, I appreciate the fact that account users can customize their descriptions and use their own pictures.  Now, when parents view their Activity Report (which can be customized to send out daily or weekly), they not only have access to descriptions and purposes of lessons, but also can see a picture of it in our classroom. 

Over the course of the last couple of months, there has been a positive change in the classroom as I navigate with Montessori Compass.  Montessori teachers are constantly observing and making note of each child's progress.  We have most likely all said to ourselves, "Oh, (fill in a name) is ready for the Teen Board.  I have to remember to give that lesson tomorrow," only to forget the next day.  This problem is completely eliminated with Montessori Compass.  When a teacher knows a child is ready for a certain lesson, they can simply enter the lesson plan in the system for a specific date and 'tag' the student.  As a result, the entered lesson appears on the 'planned lessons' page on the date designated by the teacher - when that date arrives, it's right there in front of you!  This makes it nearly impossible to forget a lesson and the best part is, the lesson can simply be rescheduled to another day if needed.  Consequently, my students have been progressing more smoothly through the curriculum, at a rate which I have never experienced up until this point. 

From a teacher's point of view, Montessori Compass has proven to be a valuable tool both in the classroom and for communication with parents.  Being the owner of my own school, however, also allows me to utilize the program for administrative purposes which will be the topic of a future post.  I am constantly on the look out for ways to improve my school and bring it new levels of excellence.  Without a doubt, Montessori Compass will do exactly that.  So, I've put away my record keeping clipboard for good and no longer have to "settle for being the best kept secret in town!"

Montessori Monday Link-Up

Spring is Here

We have been enjoying the last days of having our St. Patrick's Day activities out around the classroom (this weekend I'm planning to set up some Spring and Easter things...) and savoring the warm, sunny days outside.  What a great time of year!  There is also some exciting news on the horizon for our school regarding Montessori Compass, the easiest, most user-friendly on-line record keeping system for Montessori schools, teachers, and parents.  Living Montessori Now is currently hosting an awesome giveaway, courtesy of Montessori Compass, of an iPad for one lucky person - get on over there, read about the system, and enter the contest!  I'll be writing more about Montessori Compass including its impact on our classroom record keeping and parent communication very soon.  In the meantime, you will notice a new addition in the sidebar of the blog (underneath the picture of my school) with a link to this valuable tool. :)

So, it is with great excitement I share with you some of what has transpired in our classroom over the course of the week:

Mixing colors - what a beautiful array!

Some of our youngest members of the class are still enjoying THIS Sound/No Sound activity.

Working with different shapes in the Geometric Cabinet.  This material gives the child a sensorial impression of various shapes while promoting writing skills (tracing).

Understanding numbers and linear counting with the Teen Beads 11-19.

During a Sandpaper Letter lesson, one of the children pointed out the same letter on another child's shirt!

How beautiful is this flower arrangement?  We usually don't have roses, but one of my students gave me a bouquet on the occasion of our school's Open House last weekend.  We have been enjoying them immensely.

Linear and skip counting with the Square Chain of Five.

Comparing the Pink Tower and Brown Stair.

Enjoying our St. Patrick's Day math game.  Here, an older student is playing with a younger one, helping with basic concepts.

A pin-pushed Map of the World - the kids were so complimentary and said, "Ooh, how beautiful!"  "Look at that!"

Static Subtraction with the Stamp Game.

The Thousand Chain!

Extension work with the Solid Cylinders.  The children in this photo set up the blocks at two close tables and proceeded to complete the exercise with their eyes closed.  How fun!  And, I especially love the flowers!

Pre-reading:  Sequencing Cards

The children LOVE this activity - balancing marbles on golf tees.

Static Subtraction with Golden Beads.

Working collaboratively with the Pink Tower and Brown Stair...

and to make this, too.  

Here, is one of their drawings of the extension work.

Bells - Matching

Practical Life:  Metal Polishing

Grace and Courtesy:  Practicing a verbal greeting with a handshake.  (I wish I could show the children's faces in this photo - big smiles!)