Dressing and Undressing: Practical Life

I found this Mouse, I call him Henry, at Job Lot (a dollar store) for $1.99.
His clothes are removable. And he's the new hit of our classroom. I introduced him at Circle [sans rain gear] on a rainy day. I explained that Henry loves to jump in puddles and without the proper outerwear his Mom and Dad won't let him. So because he is a small mouse he needs the children's help to put his things on before he can go out to play. The more he practices putting them on and off, the better he will get at doing it himself.

I've gotta say, my three year old students are helping Henry out! The two year old friends are challenged and welcome the help of an older friend, who as we all know, are the BEST teachers!

I highly recommend adding a dress-up mouse (or doll) to your practical life shelves!
In PEACE
Jennifer

Montessori Toddler Program Mother's Day Tea Preparations

If you are a mom here in Belfast, you may have seen one of these:



But the rest of this post is meant to be a surprise....so please don't read THIS post.



We've been making allot of these...

And we've been working on a special one of these...



And TODAY we are practicing by having a Teddy Bear Tea Party! Every child is invited to bring a teddy bear friend to school to share tea with. The teddy bears will wait out on the deck to be invited in, when everything is ready.
I found it's helpful to have a dry run (i.e. without REAL beverages). Then the children know what to expect and with each day closer to the special day when their Mothers come for Tea; they feel more and more confident and invested in this beautiful tradition.

Past Mother's Day Tea Posts:
Many Hands Make Lite Work

What do you do in your classrooms to get ready for this Special Day?
In PEACE,
Jennifer

On the PL Shelves This Week....

"Peaceful Feet" This isn't so much a Practical Life work as much as a Grace and Courtesy or community building activity but in our room it was born out of necessity for busy twos! Running is a common trend among toddlers; they can help themselves! So I put this work together to encourage slower movements and to bring a focus on deliberate and purposeful walking. I simply traced a shoe of Little one's and cut out felt foot prints (about 10) included in the basket are a peace dove (Christmas ornament) and a Tibetan bell with a pipe cleaner handle. The idea is the children set out the foot prints (to tread lightly and slowly upon) and carry either the dove or the bell as they walk peacefully along. a younger child would carry the dove, an older child the bell, being careful not to make it ring. This could be done along a tape line or around a circle rug or anywhere really.



This bunny was a candy box. I used sharpie markers to color in the dishes to match with corresponding color pom-poms. Include wooden tongs and this tweezing activity can simply be tweezing to transfer OR a more challenging color matching activity.



The next two photos are of another color matching work I created using playdough container covers (the color circles) and a dollar store storage jug with a twist off top. I cut a hole in the handle of the top and used the tape to cover any possible sharp plastic. I realize the dark tape takes away from the presentation but it doesn't seem to deter from the toddlers wanting to do this activity. They LOVE this, from the twist off top they can do themselves, to the "curplunk" sound the lids make as they fall in. This is a big hit (and it cost just under $3 to pull together). If these types of playdough lids are not available to you, milk container lids would work also. They don't come in bright colors but you could cover them or paint them or even affix an image to them to create matching pairs.




What's most important is to have fun! Use what's available, during these tough times, we all need to spend less money and to re~use materials when possible.
Happy Spring!
In PEACE ~ Jennifer

Spreading Jam

Such fun! On our recent trip to NO I saved away this itty bitty jam jar, with this work in mind. My toddler friends loved getting sticky and sharing snacks with their friends. It was a success!
More to follow....
PEACE to you all on this beautiful Spring day
MM

Strawberries were on sale...

My Little One has been hungry allot lately, so to meet the constant begging for food throughout the morning from him, I created a food prep activity: cutting and serving strawberries! Plus strawberries were on sale. *Note: Little One eats a good b'fast and is in no way actually HUNGRY he just loves to eat. It's comforting, as is often the case for many growing bodies, but I just want to be clear: he is not actually suffering in any way, shape or form.

The set up (pictured) shows a purple vest (with the contact paper strawberry), the vest was for the person preparing the strawberries for serving. As a visual cue for the other children waiting. This was a very popular activity! WOW! I'm going to have to create more food prep. works. We went through TWO containers of berries today!
What do you do in your classrooms? Ideas are welcomed, thank you.
In PEACE,
Montessori Mama

Fruit Salad, Yummy Yummy

Here are some photos from my Stone Fruit Salad lesson. They seemed to enjoy the story although it was a bit long to hold their attention. We followed up the story with a craft of gluing fruit shapes onto a bowl. These are now on display as you walk into the classroom with the characters of the story. A note to parents went home yesterday with the children saying what fruit they offered to bring in on Monday. Mallory and I will bring in some fruit, yogurt and granola also and of course the STONE. A special stone fruit salad feast will take place (just like in the story). The children will prepare the fruit for the salad: they will slice bananas and cut apples, pull and wash grapes, drain and rinse the canned peaches, they will set the tables and fold the cloth napkins.(and I will share the photos!)
Thanks for reading as always!
PEACE to you all, Montessori Mama

Take Care

Here Little One cares for our solo classroom plant. (Before his arm mis-hap) The spray bottle is a favorite of his. A green thumb I am NOT; but having more than one plant to care for is desired...so I'm wondering, what types of plants do you have in your classroom/home that your children care for?

Another question:
Does anyone use a beginner reader series they would recommend?

THANKS!!!!!
On another topic, many thanks for all the emails and comments I received from folks lately! Sharing your stories of homesickness with me and sending me words of comfort, helped me remember I'm not alone. Thank you for your kindness.
PEACE
~MM
PS: I STILL CAN'T FIND MY CAMERA!!!

In a NUTTY Shell

Okay so October (usually my favorite month of the year) stunk. I'll TRY and be brief because as regular readers know, I tend to well, not be.
So, 'Bigger Than Me' after just two weeks of having his driver's permit, crashed my new caravan (new to me...as in has yet to be paid off) NO ONE was hurt which is, of course, the good thing. Second, Little One and Middle Man were wrestling on the sofa, flipped off and Little One ended up on the bottom of the heap. We, THOUGHT, he just had 'nurse maid's elbow' but two doctor's and specialist later it seems the bone just above his wrist is cracked. NOT BROKEN but a little bit cracked. (also a good thing, well it could be worse)Anyway, with all of this stressed, I have a pain in my neck that worsens with each day that passes. And I hope I am not sounding too pathetic here, but I miss my mom. I moved too far away from home to raise my family I've decided. Although I LOVE my community and wouldn't change a thing about my place of employment, my kid's education, or my distance from 'convenience'; I do miss my family. As the holidays approach I feel sadness about being so far away. This recent Halloween photo of Middle Man (the orangutan) friend Stella (the beautiful bee)and Little One (the not so small mouse prior to breaking his arm)makes me smile. It's laughable how serious they all look being so goofy!
Anyway, November is off to a good start and I have a positive outlook about this winter. I'm just a bit gloomy tonight, missing my family and wishing they were closer. I've been fooling around with the colors of my blog background, but now I'm done.
I'm closing with a photo of one of my toddler friends who must have been watching me when I was too lazy to been down to wipe up a spill!!! Caught on film, my two year old friend here decided to 'clean up' her mess using the method I demonstrated! I'm embarrassed and once again I become the student. I won't be lazy again, little eyes are always watching...I am the role model, demonstrating desired behavior and in this case, the undesired. OOPPSS!!

I hope YOU all had a wonderful October and are feeling joy in the amazing historical political happening! No matter your political preference, this election has proven to be one that will be remembered. GO OBAMA!
PEACE~MM~

What We've Been Up To: Practical Life

Here's a quick pic of Little One washing the door to our classroom. So often the windows, mirrors and doors are covered with hand prints and mouth marks (mostly from Little One). Today I thought I'd ask for helpers to help me clean these surfaces; several of my young friends were more than thrilled to oblige me. Tomorrow I think we will scrub the chairs. Purposeful work is very satisfying, especially to this two year old.

Other practical life activities my busy boy is 'into' presently are:

Feeding the birds (this involves carrying a large bin of bird seed from one end of the classroom to the other...which is his favorite part of the process)we are very fortunate to have a bird feeder that is attached to the glass of one of our windows. Our classroom is on the second floor and the window is just above floor level, so the children can lay on their tummies to watch the hungry birds to enjoy our daily offering. More about this soon...

Pushing Pipe Cleaners Work
There are 55 holes in the top of this seasons shaker ($1.89 local discount store). There are 55 pipe cleaners (27 cut in half + 1 half) provided (various colors). Lots of concentration is required to stay with this activity to its completion, most often one child will begin it and many others will follow adding a few colors here and there(some not-yet-two friends will remove the pipe cleaners).
Happy Creating!
PEACE
MM
PS I hope all had a happy and safe Halloween.

Forget the Rocks, Let's Paint Pumpkins!

Inspired by the traditional Montessori rock painting I created a seasonal take on it by using pumpkins. The kiddos LOVED it! Giving two year olds a clear visual, for example, the fill line on the glass, is a point of interest that can be very helpful. Every day since this work was introduced there has been a child using it and one watching, continuously through-out the morning work cycle. As we know, toddlers LOVE water play, but in watching the concentration developing; it is more than the water that draws them to this work.
PEACE
~MM

One, Two Buckle My Shoe!

Practical Life: Shoe Buckling
I spied this pair of shiny black buckle shoes while at the local Goodwill Store. For $1.99 I found our classroom's most popular practical life work! This one pair of shoes has been on several pairs of toddler feet since being introduced on Monday.
I'm going back there soon to try and find some Velcro sneakers, most of my students wear them, and I think these would be equally popular as an activity.
Happy Buckling!
Peace,
MM

Practical Life

'Pouring Work' cut paper art by Jennifer Howard
I just finished this 11 x 9 inch cut paper piece and wanted to share it with you all. I am working on a different image for each area of the classroom. As you know Cornerspring is expanding to included two new classes and a whole new building (that needs decorating!). So I thought I would create some art for the walls. My father suggested putting her on a lighter color back ground and I may do that. I'll share it if I decide to change it and the other pieces as they are completed.
Any feed back is welcome and appreciated!
Happy creating!
PS Check out this AMAZING cut paper artist when time allows you!
Olan Quattro

Fine Motor Activity

Materials:
a block of flora craft Styrofoam (mine was recycled from a recent flower delivery)
drinking straws
lollipop sticks
tooth picks
Popsicle sticks
and lastly...
two busy toddlers in need of something NEW to hold their attention :)

the result:
I made myself a cup of tea and took some photos(obviously)and they didn't even notice me!

PEACE
~~MM

Transfering Seashells by the Seashore

A friend gave me these star fish plates. (Thank you Susan)
They screamed "Summer Camp" to me and so I passed them along to Cornerspring's Summer Camp program, along with the tongs. We quickly pulled this little beauty together! Isn't it lovely to look at?

Almost every person is drawn to it the moment they walk into the Practical Life area. But I have to say, it is a bit of a challenge. My Little One was too busy with play ground play to give it a try but for ME, it was a challenge!
Here is why:
Because the shells were cone shaped it made it especially hard to pick them up with tongs. I might have realized this if had I tried it BEFORE it was put it out.

So, although this work was certainly ascetically pleasing, I felt it was a bit too difficult for a 3-6 class. Perhaps if a different shape of shell was used it would allow even the youngest child to be successful while using it.
*MM NOTE: It's important to try out the works you create prior to putting them on the shelf.
Another transfer work idea: small sponge pieces!
Happy Summer Creating!
MM

Eye dropper transfer

Here's a little something I cooked up for a five year old friend of mine. Some of you may remember this dino suction cup dollar store find from the marble transfer work. Well here he is again this time holding drops of colored water.

*NOTE: there is WAY too much water in the vase. My little friend helped me mix the colored water and he preferred it that high, and because he was part of the process (creating this work) I honored his idea that this was the amount of water he would need to fill the suction cups. When the work was complete and all the suction cups full, he said to me, "I didn't need that much water."

This practical life activity is one of my favorites for the five year old child. *It takes great amounts of concentration and fine motor skill.
Preparation activities: Baster, other works were trasfering liquid takes place.

Materials needed:
soap pad (used here a dino shaped one but not at all necessary)
eye dropper
small vase or vessel for holding water
colored water
sponge (*the sponge would usually accompany the work on the tray, I offered a sponge to my young friend off camera)

Have fun and enjoy!
~~MM

This is Me, Every Morning...(minus the lipstick)

Years ago a dear friend sent this post card to me (she knows me very well). Anyway, I crafted the post card into a magnet and every morning it is the first image I see when I retrieve my lemon water from the refrigerator. And it is soooooo true. It makes me giggle to myself and also take inventory of what still needs to be done around here. A tidy house is important to me, I guess because I am a bit of an overachiever? (Please don't comment on that, I'm working on it really) I'm guilty of wanting everything in it's place and needing order to feel comfortable.

My girl friends and I have discussed this a number of times. The verdict is in, I'm a contradiction. I DO want a clean house, so much so that I create a list of 'To Do's every morning after looking at this post card. However, at the end of the day I've probably crossed off three out of the ten I wrote. What happens is a BIGGER part of me likes to PLAY and yet another part of me is very slug-like when it comes right down to it. How important IS a well kept home?

I grew up in chaos (sorry Mom & Dad) the third child of artists. We would often pile up papers and move paint and brushes to clear a spot to eat dinner. It worked, it was fine, everyone was fed and clean and healthy. We didn't entertain much but we made beautiful pictures and sang along to the radio and drove to the beach most every evening to watch the sun set together.

Let's face it there are more important things than a clean house, right? Then why do I feel so uncomfortable when I look around and everything is a mess? It drives me nuts. There are five of us in a very small house and we have allot of stuff. I hate it but we do. My husband talks about becoming minimalists and traveling some day...(honestly that freaks me out MORE than a messy house).

Yesterday I taught Little One how to use our vacuum cleaner. It was shear bliss I felt when I watched him master pushing it about the room, sucking up pieces of rice cake he had dropped.
I take pride in raising three sons who one day will disprove stereotypes and clean toilets, wash dishes and fold laundry!

Anyway, this post is mostly a personal ramble, sorry and thanks for reading. We will return to your regularly scheduled Montessori programming in the near future. I hope all of you take time every day to play with your kids and that if your carpet looks like mine you are able to roll with it. Do we really want them to remember we kept a clean house or that we played farm with them, making all the animal sounds? "MOo, BaA, Hee-HaW"
Signing off from creative chaos central,
Montessori Mama

Gluing Buttons

The back of this watercolor doodle got tea spilled on it sooo...
I gave it to Little One to decorate with buttons. He had a blast!
Surprisingly (unlike the blue playdough) not one button went in his mouth. I was so happy. I watched over him very carefully and helped him with dispensing the glue. My only regret, not enough buttons! This activity could have lasted much longer if I had had more buttons or bottle caps or something else for him to glue down.
Happy Tuesday!
In PEACE
Montessori Mama

Playdough Fun with Little One

I should begin by saying that this lovely playdough experience ended with Little One eating a fist full of blue playdough. That said, the actual sculpture making experience was lovely up until the snacking started. So if your little one is not hungry and enjoys playdough play I recommend giving him or her sea shells to stick in the dough. PS: My nine year old enjoyed this also.
I have been experiencing computer troubles lately and getting frustrated, things seem to be better now (my husband is my savior!).
More to come!
~~MM

Flower Pot Scrubbing

Out door work station: Flower Pot Scrubbing!
Most of us have last year's flower pots about, in need of some TLC after the winter months. This Spring activity is fun and gives your children an opportunity to show how helpful they can be.
While your children scrub away cleaning last years pots, you can be getting garden work done. This activity is messy, aprons could be worn or outdoor yard-work clothes.

Materials needed:
several clay flower pots
an assortment of scrub brushes
bowl/basin
2 cup measuring cup
sponge
towel
table top/surface
pot storage bin/shelf in outdoor shed

From the bin of dirty pots the child chooses which pot to scrub and places it in the basin. Next he fills the measuring cup with warm water (from the water source) and pours it into the basin. The child then chooses a brush that will work best with the size pot he is going to scrub.
Taking the brush he dips it into the water and begins to scrub the pot in a circular motion.
After the pot has been scrubbed, he uses the sponge to wipe off any excess dirt.
When the pot is clean, he places it in the storage bin/shelf and returns to clean up.
He wipes up his space with the sponge and empties the dirty water anywhere in the garden.
Purpose:

• To clean the pot
• Preparation for handwriting (when using circular scrubbing. like table washing)
  
• Building concentration skills
  

Enjoy your time appreciating our natural world and each other.
(Sorry no photo! Blogger is giving me a hard time tonight!)
~~MM
*inspired by The Outdoor Classroom by Mary Boden

Middle Man's Mandala

I forgot to post our mandalas! Here is Middle Man's. The ovals remind me of kidney beans. PEACE to you and yours,
~~MM