Mitten Counting

This is a new counting activity that I put together.  I have done similar ones, but this particular format is completely new for my classroom.  Below you can see that I set up a tray with a white sorting tray with 4 compartments (you could just use small bowls or cups), a bowl of foam mittens, and a basket with place card holders, each holding a number card.  I bought the place card holders at either a thrift store or garage sale, I can't remember which.  

To do this work the child places the cards into the 4 compartments as shown, leaving the number cards attached.

Then they count mittens into each compartment to correspond to the number on the card.  The built-in control of error is that there are exactly enough mittens to correctly complete the work.  I am planning to add a pair of tweezers to use for transferring the mittens.  Below you can see the "3" compartment with 3 little mittens inside. 

 
 

Comments

[Pam]

what a cute activity--thanks for sharing

[Laura]

Jill,
I am so grateful to you for writing and am so glad you have found something uplifting here. Keep reading!
Laura

To: directress@live.com
Subject: [My Montessori Journey] Jill submitted a comment to Mitten Counting
Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:26:48 -0800

[Jill]

Your ideas are so inspiring! I was feeling slightly dejected about my teaching today but you have made me feel excited about the possibilities that Montessori teaching offers.
Kind regards,
Jill (Ireland)

[Laura]

Ashley,
Thanks for writing. Im glad you are enjoying the blog. Im not sure where you could find anonline forum for Montessori but if you Google it maybe you could come up with something. Take care,
Laura

PS: If I come across one Ill let you know. :0)

To: directress@live.com
Subject: [My Montessori Journey] Ashley submitted a comment to Mitten Counting
Date: Tue, 5 Jan 2010 16:27:25 -0800

[Ashley]

I just found your blog and I love it! You do such a great job at preparing your material and making them fun and very excitable for the children to work with. I was wondering if you knew of any montessori teacher online fourms communities etc I really need to have a place where I can go and dicuss what I love and that teaching Montessori, thank you and keep up the great stuff!

[Laura]

Thanks, Carly!

To: directress@live.com
Subject: [My Montessori Journey] Carly submitted a comment to Mitten Counting
Date: Tue, 5 Jan 2010 13:54:25 -0800

[Carly]

Oh wow! I love this idea!