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).

Power Point Writing Prompts

I have been contemplating the use of Power Point writing prompts to be used as visuals for Kindergarten journal writing.  The idea came to me as I brainstormed ways to incorporate engaging visuals while organizing prompts into daily/weekly/monthly files that can be easily accessed.  I must admit, I am still not completely convinced of using this type of technology as a tool for writing.   I also strive, however, to meet the needs of my students and recognize that such visual cues are vital points of interest in promoting growth in language and writing.  Inspired by Montessori's scientific approach to the classroom, I have experimented with creating several Power Point slides to be used as writing prompts.  Over time, I hope to make meaningful observations and conclusions about the impact these prompts have on student learning and literacy development.

Example Power Point writing prompt.

I particularly appreciate how elements of the Montessori classroom can be incorporated  into ideas for journal writing.

Here is an example of a number/color word prompt.

Another way to incorporate Montessori (showing the cone shape from the Geometric Solids material)!

Color word example.

As one can imagine, the possibilities are endless!  I also would like to stress that these prompts are meant to remain open-ended and are to be provided as gateways to further thought.

Also, I envision modeling of the writing process to take place simultaneously.  This will be especially important as my students are introduced to cursive writing before print.  Using these Power Point slides can not only offer my students meaningful points of interest for journal writing, but can also provide consistent reading practice.

As I conclude this post, another thought comes to mind - I wonder if similar slides could be utilized as prompts for writing practice with the Moveable Alphabet for students needing a little inspiration...  I'd love to hear your thoughts!

An Unexpected Gift

Speaking to my husband at the breakfast table over coffee: "Hmm, I really need to start collecting souvenirs and items from different countries.  I'm planning to do more cultural studies for next school year and want to highlight different countries of the world.  Do you think you could ask some of your colleagues if they might be willing to donate some items?"

My husband:  "Sure, I know many people who travel often.  I'll ask around."

No less than half an hour later, a message appeared in my inbox from a local school principal who happens have an extensive Montessori background :  Dear Sasha,  I'm cleaning out my garage and have      
about 15 Montessori Unit Boxes ranging in themes from Africa to Insects.  I'd love to give them to you if you are interested...

I was on the phone immediately - two van loads and an hour later, I was the new owner of years worth of a priceless bounty of materials, including one-of-a-kind collections from countries around the world!  Fifteen was hugely underestimated - it was more like 38!

Here they are, all lined up in my driveway before placing them in my storage area - years worth of Montessori Unit Study boxes, ready to be explored!

Can you even imagine the timing of the conversation with my husband the message I received about the materials?  I remain shocked and speechless at the enormity and significance of this most unexpected gift.  I have been given such a treasure and am so grateful!

Inspecting the contents of each box is going to be better than Christmas! ;)  Here is a glimpse of just a couple:

 Practical Life "goodies."  

Just the top of a 'North America' box...

I have a feeling I'll be having loads of fun sorting through all of these boxes and can hardly wait to begin planning new lessons and activities with my newly acquired inventory!  

A Clean Sweep

Ready for the floors to be refinished.

Well, this is certainly something which doesn't happen often.  I must admit, seeing my classroom in this state and knowing the entire inventory of the school is out of place, is giving me a sense of uneasiness!  It is summer vacation, however, and this means routine maintenance for any classroom.  This year, I need to get the floors refinished and now is the time to accomplish the task.  Hopefully, all will go according to plan and everything will be back in place later this week.  The thought of beautiful "new" floors is exciting to me as I plan for next school year!  Wish me luck getting everything back in its place...

Back to the Basics

While working in our classroom this week, we have been remembering "the basics!"  The kids have really come so far this year, but sometimes we have to remember the little things:  rolling up the mats just right so they fit in the basket, leaving our activities ready for the next person to use, making sure we are walking around the mats (rather than hopping over them!), lining up the trays on the edge of the shelf, etc...  I started taking the kids on a "Fixing Walk" around our classroom at the end of each morning.  This is when we stand in one area of the classroom and fix anything which might be out of place.  By the end of the week, I sat in a chair and said to the children, "I'm going to close my eyes and sit in this chair while you go on a 'Fixing Walk.'  I'll know when you are done when everyone sits back down and tells me to open my eyes."  Well, you would have thought I had a classroom full of little elves the way they scurried about fixing and straightening everything - I couldn't help but peek through my fingers to witness this, of course! ;)  What pride the students have in their classroom to take such good care of it! :)

Sound Cylinders back in use after a hiatus...  I find it remarkable how some materials are suddenly picked up after such a long time of inactivity!

A small group of children wanted to make a maze using the Brown Stair and Pink Tower, similar to what they have seen with the Red Rods.  This picture shows how the children have taken off their shoes and are taking turns walking through their maze.

Tweezing practice with pearl beads.

Stringing pearl beads - this is a very good challenge for most of the children in the class!

We've been discussing directionality and the Compass Rose during our recent geography studies.  Here, the student worked creatively with to make his own "compass rose." 

Teen Beads and Board.

Drawing and coloring Pink Tower and Brown stair extension work.

Labeling and coloring a compass rose.

Drawing a block creation.

Linear and skip counting with the Hundred Chain.

Easel Monoprint

Subtraction Snake Game

Visual discrimination of length with the Red Rods.

Working with phonograms using Sandpaper Letters, booklets and Small Moveable Alphabets.

A weaving exercise.

Pink Tower and Brown Stair work.

Tracing Sandpaper Letters.

Teen Board and Beads

Letter writing practice on a chalkboard.

Drawing a Compass Rose.

Patterns with shapes and colors.

Art Caddy

At long last, we finally have an ideal solution for the children's art supplies at home.  It seemed as if we could never find what we needed or the items would be scattered in different locations throughout the house - not helpful in the midst of creative endeavors....!  When I re-organzied the pantry, additional space was made across from the open shelves which made the perfect spot for art supplies, papers, etc.  The best part about our new art caddy is that the two-tiered server and glass jars are dollar store finds - thrifty solutions are the best! 
 

Art caddy for basic supplies.

Pantry Project

I finally got around to organizing my pantry in way that brings me a sense of peace each time I see it!  This vision has been brewing in my mind for quite some time and consequently, I have been collecting glass jars for a while.  Then just the other day, while browsing one of may favorite surplus and salvage stores, I came across the most perfect baskets.  They were large enough to hold various items yet still fit the relatively short depth of my pantry shelves. 

I cringe to share this before photo of the pantry and, just to let you know, waves of panic would creep over me each time I went in:


Yikes - not the best representation of organizational skill...

 Afterwards, however, I find myself walking over just see how pretty the pasta looks in their new jars!



Oh, the loveliness of it all...!



We've been saving our applesauce jars!  I love the way these staples look in glass...



The pasta, rice, etc. look more appealing...



Even the crackers look beautiful!

It only took eight and half years of living in this home (and three kids later) to finally get it the way I like it!  I think the Montessori in me is rejoicing in the chance to showcase itself at home - especially since we have been out of school for a couple of weeks now...  My step-son summed everything up when he declared, "Wow, it's been 'Montessorified'! I can see everything now!" 

Mission accomplished.

LEGO Storage Idea

It is a constant struggle to keep LEGO pieces from overtaking every single room in the house!  I've tried different things, such the CD storage crates from the end of this post, and that has worked well.  However, we still have tiny pieces and LEGO "guys" everywhere!  At a certain point, the chaos consumes me and the creative impulses surge forth...

What can I do with an extra Moveable Alphabet box which has been around since last summer?  Again, I am a saver of things, and when this particular item could not be used in my classroom, I figured I should save it - I'd find a use for it at some point in time...  And that time was today!



The unused Moveable Alphabet box which could not be utilized in the classroom (I simply think the lettering is unclear and confusing for the kids...) which I why I purchased the one seen in this post.

So..., here is what I did with some left over shelf liner and a glue stick:

A little measuring, cutting, gluing... 



and when it's all in place...

 

...it's a shelf for all those tiny LEGO "guys!"

A while back, we also purchased a hardware storage system which now houses the otherwise wondering LEGO bits.  Big Stuff was instrumental in coordinating the colors and organizing the individual bins.



Hardware LEGO storage and some free-form creations...

 

I realize that not many people have extra Moveable Alphabet boxes in their home to convert to storage/display units.  You can however, do the same thing with the more well-known "Melissa and Doug" wooden storage boxes.  Many of their toys are housed in sturdy, divided, wooden boxes which could be used in the same manner as described above.  In fact, I have had one in the house for probably five years - I never knew what to do with it and it was simply too nice to get rid of.  As I was already in the process with the Moveable Alphabet box, I decided to do the same with the "Melissa and Doug" box.  Now, it is a perfect place for the kids to display their treasures (i.e. the contents of their pockets!):

Solids, Liquids, and Gases

The boys participated in Experimenting with Solids, Liquids, and Gases at the Challenger Learning Center (CLC) in Bangor this morning.  This organization provides meaningful opportunities for children to engage in stimulating and fun science activities.  The CLC even boasts a simulated Mission Control Station for space shuttle lift-offs!  Check out their website at http://www.clcofme.org/ and those of you in the area should try to visit. 



Ready for experimentation!



While Big Stuff and Mr. Man were busy with experiments, Little Miss and I headed over to the craft store.  Here, I purchased some wooden CD crates for a small organizational project in the boys' room.  We have concluded that there is not a proper place to store their coveted model rockets which is safe from little hands...  Big Stuff in particular was in need of a place to store and display those tiny Lego pieces!  Enter the CD crates! 

Here is what the space next to the top bunk bed looked like before:




A sad state of affairs complete with ripped poster - Yikes!

 



And here it is afterwards:



A place for everything and everything in its place!



Mr. Man could not be left out either - he wanted to have a special spot for his treasures too:



Both boys took great pride in setting up their "shelves."  In case you were wondering, I simply used Command Strips to attach the CD crates to the wall - instant wall shelves!