Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Teaching Time for Toddlers--Montessori Based Activities




I have been introducing Catherine to various activities that (at the very least) stem from the Montessori method.  Most recently we've been practicing pouring and scooping both water and beans (not at the same time, of course!).


She very diligently used the ice cream scoop to get all of the water from the green bowl to the metal bowl.  I was prepared for quite a mess (there is a cookie tray underneath the towel) but she spilled very little--even the first few times!  As much as she enjoys the scooping, right now her absolute favorite activity is the toothpick and "salt shaker" work.  Instead of a salt shaker we just use the toothpick jar, which is very similar to these:

Source: Amazon
There is one small hole in the lid for her to slip the toothpick through.  I thought it was amazing how quickly she improved while doing this.  At first she was very shaky and it took a couple of tries to get the toothpick in the jar, but eventually she became quite adept.  (Another great version of this work can be found at My Child-Centered Life!)


(Disclaimer: I will be the first to say that I don't know a whole lot about the Montessori method.  
It is something that interests and intrigues me and certainly deserves a place in our home.  
These are just things that I've done.)


Last week we had twenty-one fantastic links!  I can't wait to see what everyone has this week(or this year).  I'd love if you'd add my button (to the left in the sidebar) but you don't have to.  Please feel free to link up as many posts as you would like--as long as it is somewhat relevant.


8 comments:

  1. Thank you for inviting me to join in the linky!

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  2. What a nice idea for a linky! Great transfer activity :)

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  3. Thanks for stopping by and the link invite. I enjoyed exploring your blog. :)

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  4. Thanks for stopping by! Love the toothpick idea and way to go on making your own shorts! That is inspiring! :)

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  5. Thanks for telling me about your blog!

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  6. Those are great activities. A sink with a little bit of water and a few plastic bowls used to keep my son entertained for hours. He also loved his pounding board and lace-up cards. I don't know if they make either of those anymore.

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  7. I've been giving my little one a bowl of water to play with at dinner- but I didn't think of giving her two and a spoon! great idea!

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Thank you so much for taking the time to comment! I love reading each and every one!