Montessori Beginnings-room

I have finally got the room done. Well it has been done for a little while but I have gotten pictures taken.

This is the reading area. I plan to add more pillows just have to be careful the vent is right there. I add more books and I was thinking a tape player or Cd player so they listen to books also ( thanks Sarah for those).

I tried to set up the room into little areas. This is for the younger ones. Trays that are safe for them. They like to just stand there and work. Very cute. They have animal and shape puzzles on there today. Notice the camera in the window I am going to video them doing their activities and they won't notice.

Here is an extra area to work and the calendar /song area.

This area will hold tray activities and extends into the older kids area.

This is a desk for them to work at if they want. They can also go to that other table.


So there it is... Expect to see more pictures and videos in this room.

Montessori Beginnings- pad locks

A few weeks ago I gave F and C some pad locks to use. They got them figured quickly. Today while I was getting things ready R picked up the tray with the locks on it. I just let her as I wanted to get things done before the others woke up.

She worked at it for a while trying different keys and watching it open. I don't know if she completely understood that the keys were different. She just kept working.
We will be playing with these again.

Montessori Beginnings- practical life

I have put together a list of practical life activities I have in mind. As we work in it I will post how it is going. Is there anything I missed?

Drinking from a cup with out a lid

Drinking from a straw

Clearing their eating spot

Setting the table

Serving themselves food

Washing dishes

Washing hands

Washing hair and body

Folding clothes

Cleaning a spill

Potty training

Wiping their nose

Pushing their chairs in

Putting their things away

Learning/exploring room

I have decided to make a room for learning, exploring, and play. Thinking that I maybe able to contain some of the randomness and keep us all focused. I find them wandering around looking for something to do. If I give them something or we start playing then I wander off to work on house work.. This will keep all of us in the same spot for a while to learn.

So here is my issue-- This is the layout I was thinking about a corner for older and younger. A corner for reading. A wall for the calendar stuff. But where do I put the tables and shelves. I was thinking about a table under a window so they can sit and look outside at the birds. I just want the all to see.

Or does it not matter. Just get it set up. This is where I am heading and if it doesn't work or I don't like it then change it.

The kids and even M ( my dear hubby) are looking forward to this room.. So I ready to get started.

This room was R but I moved her stuff in with C and they like it. Thank Goodness. Loving it!

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.