Getting Started: The Activity Cycle

Implementing the Activity Cycle has really helped the kids know that the activity they are working with is going to start. They are going to learn and explore something new. This also keeps them organized.

Mr. Bowman speaks in his book Montessori at Home about how doing the Activity Cycle opens pathways for more information to be learned. This is at its peak around three and by six or seven they have been formed. He talks about a process called "pruning", that happens when the path ways are not activated by experience are no longer there.

So doing the Activity Cycle they are building the pathways and connections that will stick with them the rest of their lives.

This is what this process looks like at our house:

1. They bring the floor rug or mat to create their work space. ( We use carpet squares donated by the local flooring store)

2. They bring the activity from the shelf to that work space and work on it for as long as they please.

3. They clean up and put the activity back on the shelf.

4. They put the rug or mat back where it is stored.

Note: This does not all ways go like this. There are times they are fighting over the rug or they get excited and forget the rug. I just remind them and move on.

What does it look like at your home or center?

Montessori Beginnings- Pad locks

Today I got out a new tray. First they got their carpet square. Then brought their tray to it.

I put two pad locks and the tray with keys on a ring. I did not show them how to do this one. They are four so I thought they would enjoy figuring it out. Almost like a puzzle.

C was done with in no time. Good thing I had another tray ready, small, medium, and large.

F took a little longer. She kept trying to pull it open, asking for help ( kept telling her to keep at it, she will get it). She was trying to open it with the small dots on top. She really worked at it for a while.. Then all of a sudden she turned it over and she said with an excited voice, "I think the key goes in here!" I love it when you can hear and see that little light go on in their heads. She did it over and over.

While all this is going on the little ones are in their way. Grabbing and pulling at them as they work. I think it would better if I could keep them occupied long enough to show the older what to do and then go back to them. Okay that is my plan for this week. This can be done.

Montessori Beginings

I have been reading a few books on Montessori teaching. Montessori From the Start and Montessori at Home! I am trying to figure out where to start. I went to Walmart and got a small shelf. Now where to put it. I'm thinking for now in the hall way between their rooms. I don't know if I like the shelves. Are they to short meaning the space between?

I think I just need to start. When I went to Walmart I also got some nuts,bolts,and washers for C (4 yr) activity. F (4yr) has expressed interest in the flower arrangement activity. I need to cut some flowers and bring them in for her. Do you use cut or real for yours. Today we had a talk about the activity cycle while we where putting together the shelf.

For those who don't know it's having the kids get out their floor mat or rug to create a work space. Have them carefully bring the activity to the work space and work. They then clean up and put the activity back where it is stored. To complete the activity circle they put the rug or mat back.

I plan to have the younger girls do the same they will need more help but I think they will get it. I think I am going to start them out with a sensory bin. I am just nervous about the mess. I think the older ones will want their chance at it too.

I am just starting to realize how much I worry about the small stuff. This will turn out alright the kids will like it, it will not perfect, they will get it and we will all enjoy it. Let's get started.