MontessoriHelper

Category: Free Lesson Activities

Free Montessori Lesson Activities

  • The Montessori Red Rods Lesson Activity

    Montessori LessonMontessori Red Rods Presentation
    The Montessori Red Rods, Pink Tower and Broad Stair are a sequence of materials designed to enable a young child to explore dimension.

    How to present the Montessori Broad Stair Lesson Activity
    How to present the Montessori Pink Tower Lesson Activity

    MONTESSORI RED RODS ACTIVITY:

    The Montessori Red Rods (also known as “Long Rods”) – Montessori Sensorial Lesson Activity for Ages 0 to 6

    MONTESSORI RED RODS OBJECTIVES:

    • To develop the child’s visual and muscular perception of length.
    • To develop the child’s co-ordination of movement.
    • To provide controlled experiences of seriation.
    • To give the child basic language important in Maths.
    • Co-ordination, Balance, Concentration.

    MONTESSORI RED RODS MATERIALS:

    • 10 Red Wooden Rods all the same thickness but varying in length from one decimeter to one meter.
    • Each rod increases in length by the length of the smallest rod. The pieces then stand in the same relation to one another as the natural series of the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.
    • Work mat.

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    MONTESSORI RED RODS CONTROL OF ERROR:

    • The rods will not be in a stair formation and the child may feel the irregularity.
    • The child may see the irregular pattern.
    • The smallest rod fits into each successive step.

    AGE:

    2 ½ years approx.

    MONTESSORI RED RODS PRESENTATION 1:

    1. Individual exercise done on a floor mat.
    2. Place a floor mat on the working space.
    3. Show the child how to carry each rod to the mat one by one by holding each rod at the top with one hand and at the bottom with the other. This will give the child a muscular impression of length.He should hold the rods upright so that he does not bump into other children.The rods are randomly placed on the mat.
    4. Show the child how to build the rods starting with the shortest rod. Align the rod with the edge of the mat. Using your middle and index finger lightly trace along the entire length of the rod.
    5. Find the next longest rod. Bring it into position next to and above the previous rod and trace along its length again. Proceed with all the rods in this way until the stair is entirely built.
    6. Pause and admire the stair and then mix up the rods and invite the child to try.
    7. Should you see the child struggling, mix the rods up but align the mixed up rods along the edge of the mat.
    8. Once the child has successfully built the stair, show him how to fit the shortest rod into each successive stair.

    Should the child struggle with this exercise or for younger Children from Age 1 to 3 they can do:

    1. The 4 or 5 smallest rods
    2. The 5 largest rods
    3. 5 successive rods from the middle
    4. Use every other rod.

  • Montessori Cutting Flowers Lesson Activity

    Montessori Lesson

    AREA

    Practical Life

    AGE

    3.5 to 5 years

    MATERIALS

    Tray
    2 glass vases.
    Jug to fill vase.
    Plastic work mat
    Paper towel
    Drying cloth
    Secateurs or small pair of scissors.
    Basket for collecting the flowers.

    DIRECT AIM

    To pick flowers.

    INDIRECT AIM

    Fine motor skills
    Developing concentration
    To care for the environment
    Strengthen muscles in the arms and sequencing
    Reasoning skills.

    PRESENTATION

    1. Invite the child to begin the Work Cycle.
    2. Take the basket and pair of scissors outside.
    3. Show the child how to choose a suitable flower.
    4. Hold the plant just below the flower with your left hand and with your right hand show the child how to trace down the stem of the flower.
    5. Move your left hand down to meet your right hand and exchange hands.
    6. Pick the scissors up in your right hand and snip the plant just below the position of your hand.
    7. Place this into the basket and return indoors.

    TO ARRANGE THE FLOWER:

    1. Lay out the plastic mat on the table and place the vase on it.
    2. Ask the child to fetch some water in the jug indicating the water mark.
    3. Show the child how to pour the water into the vase leaving a little space in the top for displacement once the flowers are added.
    4. Use the drip cloth to catch any water droplets on the jug.
    5. Pick the flower up in your right hand and hold it against the side of the vase.
    6. Show the child how to measure the flower for size and to trim the flower should it be too long.
    7. Show him how to place the cut stems into the paper towel, which will later be discarded.
    8. Run your hand down the stem of the flower taking off any excess foliage.
    9. Add this into the paper towel.
    10. Place the flower into the vase and admire it.
    11. Place the vase on a table where there will be no danger of the plant being knocked over.
    12. Return all the materials to the tray.
    13. Show the child how to fold the paper towel so that the foliage does not fall out, and show him how to dispose of it.
    14. Fetch a clean square of paper towel. Fold it twice, and place it on the tray together with the other materials.
    15. Invite the child to have a turn.

    CONTROL OF ERROR

    If the child has poured too much water into the vase, the water will spill when he carries the vase.
    If the child has cut the flower too short, it will not touch the water once it is placed into the vase.

    EXTENSIONS

    Show the child how to collect and cut vegetables from the garden.Show the child how to trim flowers or bushes, of their dead leaves.

    VARIATIONS

    Cutting different types of flowers including wearing gloves for rose bush cutting.

  • You do not have to be a Genius to get this..

    The example below of how a child would abstract the knowledge of the continents is exactly that, an example.

    It is intended to explain the concept in a practical way, and to help one understand the process of abstraction.

    It should also indicate why starting a child with a concept at too abstract a level can reduce the ability of the child to “learn through the senses” and fully internalise that knowledge in the fullness of time.

    In Maths for example, concrete concepts are most often the building blocks of abstract mathematical principles and quite often a child is taught the abstract principles only, without having the opportunity to comprehend the concepts at a more concrete level initially. This is becoming an ever more common modern issue caused by too much unguided computer interaction at too early an age. The child needs to work through the “discovery” process spontaneously before fully internalising and grasping the knowledge, and the directress needs to guide that process without being prescriptive. See the five step example below..

    Activity Equipment/Materials Description
    1. Sandpaper Globe Lesson

    image

    		Montessori Continent Sandpaper Globe Lesson, Age 3 to 6

    		The child begins the journey of discovery at this point. The Sandpaper globe is a round physical globe with sandpaper continents that feel rough to the touch and thus predominantly stimulate the child’s tactile senses. This activity is primarily concrete in nature.
    2. Colour Globe Lesson


    		 Montessori Continent (Colour) Globe Lesson, Age 3 to 6

    		The child begins the next step of the journey of discovery at this point. The Colour globe is a round physical globe with protruding continents that do not feel as rough as the sandpaper globe but are still discernable to the child’s tactile senses but more predominent to the child’s visual senses (of colour). This activity is less concrete. This is abstraction of Activity 1
    3. Planosphere Lesson


    		 Montessori Puzzle Map (Planisphere) of the World Lesson, Age 3 to 6

    		The child begins the next step of discovery at this point. The Planosphere is no longer a round physical globe, but a two dimensional puzzle with continents represented by coloured puzzle pieces. This activity is less concrete and more abstract. Note the globe has now changed from a 3 dimensional object to a 2 dimensional object. This is abstraction of Activity 2.
    4. Continent Nomenclature Cards Physical Presentation


    		 Montessori Continent Nomenclature Cards Age 3 to 6

    		The child begins the next step of discovery at this point. The Continent Nomenclature Cards two dimensional cards which show the continents as coloured objects without the context of the other countries and roundness of the globe. The child is now abstracting continents simply by their shape and colour regardless of other physical characteristics such as dimension and context. The child has moved from objects in context (i.e. the globes and the planosphere) to recognising the continents without context (the nomenclature cards). This is abstraction of Activity 3
    5. Continent Nomenclature Cards Interactive Presentation


    		 Montessori Interactive Continent Cards Age 3 to 9

    		The child begins the next step of discovery at this point. As computers were not commonplace at the time that Montessori wrote her methods, it is suggested that this step is not “purist” Montessori. It is however, an optional additional step which can be considered in the context of our modern technological environment. The same principles as mentioned below would still apply.
    The child is now abstracting continents simply by their shape and colour regardless of other physical characteristics such as dimension and context, and within a virtual (non physical) way. The child has moved from objects in context (i.e. the globes and the planosphere) to recognising the continents without context (the nomenclature cards), to recognising the objects without context and direct physical interaction. This is abstraction of Activity 4.

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    Abstraction is just one aspect of the Montessori Method, which is detailed and multi-faceted, and it is suggested that when applying the Montessori Method, the practitioner familiarise him/herself with the Method either through training or reading about it, in order to improve the outcomes and learning of the child.

    With all Montessori interactions it is important to consider and understand the purpose of them, and to observe and guide the child in accordance with the purpose. The child will spontaneously abstract ideas if he or she is allowed to, by virtue of the environment and elements within it…and by careful and purposeful planning which is the key role of the Montessori directress or Montessori Parent.

    To summarise in Montessori’s own words……

    The child turns away spontaneously from the material, not with any signs of fatigue, but rather as if impelled by fresh energies, and his mind is capable of abstractions. At this stage of development, the child turns his attention to the external world, and observes it with an order which is the order formed in his mind during the period of the preceding development; he begins spontaneously to make a series of careful and logical comparisons which represent a veritable spontaneous acquisition of “knowledge.” This is the period henceforth to be known as the period of “discoveries,” discoveries which evoke enthusiasm and joy in the child.

  • Montessori Materials – Butterfly Nomenclature Cards Age 6 to 9

    PartsButterfly
    Category : Cultural – Botany Downloadable PDF

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  • FREE Montessori Insect Nomenclatures Age 3 to 6

    FREE Montessori Insect Nomenclatures Age 3 to 6

    Montessori Insects MaterialsMontessori Insects Printables

    Montessori Materials Insects Cards Age 3 to 6

    Category : Zoology Downloadable PDF

    Size: Each Page is A4 in size and has two nomenclatures per page

    Number of Pages : 10

    Age : 3 to 6

    Instructions for use :

    • Download the Montessori Nomenclature PDF file to your PC and then print it out.
    • Once you have printed the Montessori Nomenclature Cards, then cut them along the perforated lines.
    • For each page you will have cut out one card that has the description included in it and one card without the description.
    • You will also cut out the separate description tag, which is used for sequential matching.
    • To see how to use these Montessori Nomenclature Cards take a look at this Video Tutorial example

  • FREE Montessori Continent Nomenclature Cards Age 3 to 6

    Montessori Continents MaterialsdoMontessori Continents Printables

    Category : Cultural – Geography Downloadable PDF

    Size: Each Page is A4 in size and has two nomenclatures per page

    Number of Pages : 10

    Age : 3 to 6

    Instructions for use :

    • Download the Montessori Nomenclature PDF file to your PC and then print it out.
    • Once you have printed the Montessori Nomenclature Cards, then cut them along the perforated lines.
    • For each page you will have cut out one card that has the description included in it and one card without the description.
    • You will also cut out the separate description tag, which is used for sequential matching.
    • To see how to use these Montessori Nomenclature Cards take a look at this Video Tutorial example
  • Margaret Homfray Video Lectures

    Margaret Homfray Video Lectures

    Margaret Homfray Montessori Videos

    A series of Video lectures recorded by Margaret Homfray who is a well known and knowledgeable proponent of the Montessori Method.



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  • Montessori Interactive Materials, The Continents, Age 3 to 9

    Continents Flash CardsPlease note : This interactive activity is not part of the original Montessori Method, as computers were not prevalent at the time is was created. As a teacher/parent we recommend you familiarise yourself with the concept of abstraction and other elements of the Montessori Method before allowing the child to proceed with this activity.

  • Montessori Lessons, The Sandpaper Continents Globe, Age 3 to 6

    MONTESSORI ACTIVITY

    Montessori Sandpaper Continents Globe Lesson Activity for Ages 3 to 6

    MONTESSORI CATEGORY

    Geography

    AGE

    2 ½ – 6 years approx.

    MONTESSORI ACTIVITY OBJECTIVES

    To introduce the child to the locations of the continents.
    To prepare the child for work with the continents globe (coloured globe)

    MONTESSORI MATERIALS:

    Montessori Sandpaper Globe

    Montessori Sandpaper Globe
    Buy the Montessori Sandpaper Globe on Amazon

    • Work Mat

    CONTROL OF ERROR:

    The rough sandpaper continents versus the smooth ocean.

    The continents are all slightly raised so that the child can feel the relief as well. 

    PRESENTATION 1:

      This is an individual exercise done on the table on a work mat.

    1. Ask the child to watch how you carry the globe to the table. Show the child how to carry the globe to the table with one hand supporting the base and the other supporting the globe.
    2. Place the globe.. on the table on the work mat.
    3. Remind the child that our world is made up of land and water but the land on this globe is represented by the sandpaper. This is called the Sandpaper Continents Globe.
    4. Say “ the land is divided into different parts and we call these parts CONTINENTS “
    5. Invite the child to feel all the continents.
    6. Do a brief three period lesson. Let the child show you a large continent; a small continent; the ocean

     

  • Montessori Lesson, Puzzle Map of the World, Age 3 to 6

    MONTESSORI ACTIVITY

    Montessori Puzzle Map of the World Lesson Activity for Ages 3 to 6

    MONTESSORI CATEGORY

    Geography

    AGE

    3 – 6 years approx.

    MONTESSORI ACTIVITY OBJECTIVES

    • To introduce the child to the flat representation of our world.
    • To prepare him for later map work.
    • To lead him towards abstraction – moving from the 3 dimensional to the 2 dimensional.
    • Visual Discrimination
    • Strengthening the hand for writing

    MONTESSORI MATERIALS:

    Puzzle Map of the World

    Montessori Puzzle Map
    You can buy this item on Amazon to use with this Montessori Lesson

    • Work Mat

    CONTROL OF ERROR:

    If the child does not prick the map of Africa deep enough into the plasticine there will be no impression of Africa once he has flattened it.

    PRESENTATION 1:

      This is an individual exercise done on the table on a work mat.

    1. Ask the child to carry the puzzle map to the floor in the way that you have previously shown him.
    2. Ask the child to bring the control map and place this below the puzzle map.
    3. Tell the child you are going to show him how we get from a round world to drawing a flat world. Tell the child that it is easier to draw a map this way – on a 2 dimensional level.
    4. Tell the child that when we draw a flat earth we can see the whole world and not just the part that we are looking at, as is the case with the globe.
    5. Roll some plasticine into a sphere and compare it to the globe. With a sharpish instrument, prick out a representation of Africa. Show the child. Place the plasticine on the board, take the knife and cut it in half.
    6. Place the halves on a plastic mat and one by one press them flat. Compare the flattened half to the puzzle map of the hemispheres. Saying that this is how we get a flat representation of our world. Say that when we cut a sphere into half we get two hemispheres – the eastern and western hemispheres. Do this as incidental naming but re-do this once the child has learnt his compass directions.
    7. Invite the child to have a turn.

     

  • Montessori Continent Globe (Bridging) Lesson, Age 3 to 6

    MONTESSORI ACTIVITY

    Montessori Continents Globe (Bridging) Lesson Activity for Ages 3 to 6

    MONTESSORI CATEGORY

    Geography

    AGE

    3 – 6 years approx.

    MONTESSORI ACTIVITY OBJECTIVES

    • To introduce the child to the flat representation of the world.
    • To prepare him for later map work.
    • To lead him towards abstraction – moving from the 3 dimensional to the 2 dimensional.

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  • Montessori Lessons, The Continent Globe, Age 3 to 6

    MONTESSORI ACTIVITY

    Montessori Continents Globe Lesson Activity for Ages 3 to 6

    MONTESSORI CATEGORY

    Geography

    AGE

    3 – 6 years approx.

    MONTESSORI ACTIVITY OBJECTIVES

    • To introduce the child to the locations of the continents and to the names.
    • To associate the continent names to colours and this abstract the sandpaper globe.

    MONTESSORI MATERIALS:

    The continents globe

    Each continent is a particular colour:
    North America – Orange
    South America – Pink
    Europe – Red
    Africa – Green
    Asia – Yellow
    Australia /Australasia / Oceania – Brown
    Antarctica – White

    • Work Mat

    CONTROL OF ERROR:

    The different colours of the continents.

    The continents are all slightly raised so that the child can feel the relief.

    PRESENTATION 1:

      This is an individual exercise done on the table on a work mat.

    1. Ask the child to watch how you carry the globe to the table. Show the child how to carry the globe to the table with one hand supporting the base and the other supporting the globe.
    2. Place the globe on the table on the work mat…
    3. Remind the child that our world is made up of land and water but the land on this globe is in different colours. This is called the Continents Globe.
    4. Say “ the land is divided into different parts and we call these parts CONTINENTS “
    5. Feel around all the continents with your index and middle fingers, starting with our continent. Tell the child that this is our continent, Africa. As you feel around each continent you may refer to its size or colour but the naming at this point is coincidental. Take the globe out of the stand to feel Antarctica.
    6. Invite the child to feel all the continents.
    7. Do a brief three period lesson. Let the child show you “ a large continent; a small continent, the red continent; our continent; a continent that is very cold” and so forth. Stop at the second period.

     

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