On the Toddler Language Shelf This Week

Here are a couple of finger plays I've made into works for the language shelf. 5 Little Monkeys and 5 Little Pumpkins. I suppose these could be on the math shelf also, but they've found themselves here. The toddlers are enjoying them and honestly so am I. It is lots of fun to share a familiar poem at circle and then again during the work session. What I enjoy most is when a pair of friends choose these and play them out with one another.
The reason for the extra large pumpkin in the bowl with the other small craft pumpkins is because one of the smaller ones has gone missing. With only four pumpkins in the bowl and five in the finger play, my toddler friends came up with a solution: use a REAL pumpkin!

*Side note: I'm really frustrated with my computer these days...it takes so long to post and I have so much to share....
thank you for still reading even when I post so infrequently. I have about twenty or so drafts waiting in the wings for photos. It always amazes me how quickly Monday arrives. This weekend just wasn't long enough for all I wanted to do!
Take care,
J
PS Middle Man was cast as Mole in the Wind and the Willows (local theater production)!!! I'm so excited for him.

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

Making Mandalas

Inspired by this PEACE Mandala, 'Middle Man' and I decided to create our own!
Using a throw-away DVD some company sent me in the mail, we traced the circle and planned our designs. (in the Montessori classroom the circle metal inset could be used)
'Middle Man' wanted to make "a hoop that weaves over and under the spokes".
I kept mine more traditional. 'Little One' got in on the action by coloring his own mandala from a Mandala coloring book we have. Later we water color painted the pre-made mandalas and hung them in the window. *MM note: Working with mandalas is an artist way to practice fractions.
Enjoy
PEACE
~~MM

Sorting 1 to 10: Birds

Counting Birds 1 to 10
The creative teachers at Cornerspring came up with this fun work for junior bird lovers.
Finding bird related items numbering one to ten, they created this clever counting work.
The children enjoy 'flying' the birds to their number groups, finding similarities and differences, discriminating between few and many. For young 3 year olds this work could be used as simply a sorting, counting them into number groups and placing them in a linear order can be introduced in later lessons. Enjoy!
~~MM

Montessori Math

In the Math area of the Montessori 3-6 classroom you will find The Blue Number Counting Book
this book helps children learn basic mathematical concepts using a unique tactile approach. Pages show a blue, textured numeral and the appropriate number of objects to count. I stumbled across these nifty RED numerals and improvised! I used white poster board cut into squares and punched a hole in the upper right corner for an optional ring.
By touching and counting items numbers zero to ten, children associate numbers with their quantities and learn the sequence of numbers. Seeing and touching the large, felt numerals helps children identify and remember numbers. Tracing the number shapes with the fingers is a valuable preparation for writing numbers.

Because the ring is optional (and can be opened) these cards can be used as a movable number line as well. I'm working on a Spring Time sets baskets and will post when my camera is cooperating better.
Happy Counting!
~~MM

Using a Number Line

This Number Line was made using poster board folded in half (so it would stand), writing the numbers 1 to 10 and covering with contact paper.

A Number Line can be found in the math area of the Montessori classroom. It is a handy tool for young children to use when learning their numbers. When counting items the items can be laid out in front of the Number Line and when identifying the number symbols it can be used as a guide for 1 to 10 counting. When a child is writing their own numerals, the Number Line can again be used as a reference.

In the photo the little girl uses the Number Line when discovering the mystery number of hearts.
We have a Number Line here at home also and over the years my boys have used it many, many times. Having a visual guide when learning new information is very helpful (especially for visual learners). This is also something an older child could make for a younger child.

Enjoy!
~~MM

Golden Unit Bead Earrings!

My friend Deb made these little beauties for me! I LOVE them! Thank you Deb.
Mrs. Frizzle eat your heart out!