Tags, ribbons and clothespins

Since I like to have seasonal variations of traditional Montessori activities out on my shelves I decided to create something new for fall.  This is a variation of the Montessori Cards and Counters work.  My inspiration for creating this activity was some foam leaf stickers I picked up several weeks ago at Hobby Lobby.  I also purchased some little clothespins and some fall ribbon (it was 50% off, not $4.99 in case you're wondering!).  I knew I wanted to do something with varying lengths of ribbon and clothespins to clip on the ribbons.  I had considered using a wooden dowel or stick and attaching lengths of ribbon to it.  Then I decided I wanted the numerals to be loose along with the quantities (like Cards and Counters) instead of having the numerals fixed on a dowel, which would have been more like the Spindle Box.

Here are the supplies I used for this project.  In addition I used some brown cardstock, a tag punch, and some gold number stickers.

I punched out 9 brown tags from the cardstock and stapled lengths of the fall ribbon to the back of each as shown.

Then I used one of the large leaf stickers to cover the staple and added a numeral sticker to each tag.

I attached a small leaf sticker to each of 45 wooden clothespins.  To do this work the child first places the ribboned tags in numerical order on a rug in a vertical row as shown below.  Then they clip the corresponding number of clothespins to the ribbon.

Here you can see a close-up of the clothespins on the ribbons.

Below you can see how I've put this together on the shelf.  I placed all the clothespins in a small metal tub and the tags into a basket.

Comments

[Clair]

You are the "hobby lobby" of montessori ideas. (please take that as a compliment) I just get so happy and excited when I see your brilliant ideas. I wish I had access to the lovely bits and pieces you have in US. In Ireland things are not as easy to get we are not as into "hobbying & crafting" yet. But I'll find a way around that, its the ideas that you have that are priceless.
Thanks
Clair

[Erica]

I love this idea, it's right up our alley, thanks for sharing!

[Laura]

Thanks, Sharon. Im glad you liked the idea.Take care,
Laura

To: directress@live.com

[sharon]

This is such a clever improvisation from the number rod, and with so many colours to interest the kids. Thanks for sharing, I am going to link it back to you on my blog when we get to do this!

[GG]

Hello from vancouver
I love your ideas and i found your blog very inspirational. I have a question though, was it intentional not to have the brown tag '0" in the mat for the presentation? In the spindle box, there is the "0" to reinforce the concept of "0". Thank you for sharing
GG

[ines]

I love fall colors...it's a beautiful work!

[lynnette]

That is awesome!!! We're headed to the store tomorrow!! thanks for sharing. :)

[Lily]

Beautiful! That's a great idea, and it looks like fun to make too. Thanks for sharing with us :)

[Celiah Ann]

What a wonderful activity. So creative and inspiring.

[branflakes]

They turned out so pretty, I just might have to make some of them.

[Debbie]

I love this idea. You are so creative !