Wow! We've had a really great and really busy week in the classroom. I had several moments where I looked around and thought, "This is a perfect Montessori moment." At that moment, every child was happily and busily engaged in work. No one was asking for help from me or my assistant, and I felt that I could sneak out of the classroom and it would all continue to run smoothly on its own. For the record, I didn't leave (!), and the moment didn't last all morning. Still, it's really gratifying to see how far all the children have come this year in their concentration, independence and work habits.
The following several photos are the "penguin gallery." I have been so pleased and amazed at the children's response to the penguin drawing work I put out this week. I was concerned that this work might be too hard, but I should know by now to never underestimate what children are capable of. I have been really excited to see several of my youngest students try this work and have success with it. Their feeling of accomplishment when they draw a recognizable penguin is precious to witness!
Below is another cluster of photos that shows some of the language work that has been happening. Several children are beginning to make the leap into reading, which is so exciting. The photos show the "pink" CVC cut and paste work and the word drawers with letter stamped record sheets.
Building with the colored blocks
Soap grating for bubble making
Penguin life cycle work
Penguin maze activity
Pink tower/brown stair extensions
This photo shows the work of two little girls who had matched all the part/whole cards and then decided to use the brown drawing paper to draw the completed pictures. I was happy and impressed with their creativity with this project.
Snowflake building activity
How old are your youngest students? Do you think my 3 year, 9 month old son could do the penguin activity? He has very little interest in drawing or colouring. So far all he draws are turtles: circles with sticks for legs and then he brings it to me to draw a happy face on it.
Posted by: Anna | February 01, 2009 at 09:22 PM
Hi Laura,
How do you handle popular practical life activities or art activities so that everyone gets a turn? If you would not mind explaining from the time after you present the new work.
Posted by: Gigi | January 31, 2009 at 07:47 PM
Is the peguin work your work for Feb. or was it the work for January?
Posted by: Mel | January 31, 2009 at 01:25 PM