Every day counts - the bead chains

It has gotten a bit too cold for the great outdoors, but we've got plenty to keep us busy. For several weeks, now, many of the children have been interested in counting the bead chains. This first picture is of the bead chain material. This material illustrates the squares and cubes of the numbers 1 through 10. Note the bead squares and cubes sitting on the little shelves to the right. The top shelf holds color coordinated boxes with the counters and chain for each number's square. Hanging are each of the chains that when folded together would become that number's cube.
The next picture shows a child being introduced to this work. She is shown how the short two chain can be folded into the two square. Then she is shown how the long two chain can be folded into the two cube. Then she is shown how 2 two squares can be put together to make a two cube. The chains are counted and the counters are placed. The lesson is repeated with the three chain.

If the child desires, s/he can continue with the other chains in their order.

At its simplest, this activity is good for practicing the order of the numbers. That after 29 comes 30, and after 39 comes 40, etc. On the next level, it illustrates skip counting; counting by twos or threes or fives. On another level, an older child will see the multiplication tables. And finally, this material illustrates the squares and cubes of these numbers and their relationships with each other.
Counting the bead chains is a popular activity in the classroom. I believe it is the thrill of accomplishment. As the chains get longer, the image of a daunting task is found to be readily achieved with just a little perseverance.

Happy Chinese New Year!

On Monday morning several students were dressed in red. Ready to welcome a new year. This is M.L. and A.T. (measuring). L.W. also looked her best, and brought a delicious snack of Asian treats.

snow snow snow

It's so nice having the snow cover the playground. The children have covered our windows with paper snowflakes. Paintings and cotton snowmen hang on our walls. Unfortunately, the extreme cold has kept us inside more than usual. We used the extra time to talk about Antarctica. But today was sunny and tomorrow should be a bit warmer. In snow pants, boots, hats, mittens and jackets, children squealed with delight as they made snow angels and gathered armfuls of snow.

Happy Holidays

I hope you are all having a nice break. We are planning for the new year and looking forward to seeing everyone next Monday.

Montessori on the fly

Here is an entertaining 3 minute 45 second video of Maria Montessori's life and work:

www.video.google.com/videoplay?docid=748019594080989064

more Montessori kids

Here are a few people who also revelled in the experience of a Montessori education:

www.michaelolaf.net/google.html

we've got time

The clock is placed low on our wall, but most of the class is at a complete loss as to the meaning of the numbers. Hence, we've been encouraging the use of the Montessori clock materials. First, a child simply matches the clock face to the "1 o'clock" or other corresponding label. Then the clock faces are stamped in the tablet and the child writes the time and draws on the clock's hands. A slew of other activities follow, then the child works on the "half past" clock faces.

Before introducing the "quarter to" and "quarter past" clock faces, I like to use this material that Mrs. T, designed. It is perfect for garnering an understanding of all the numbers and minute notations on a clock. All this takes time, though. The children are young, and learning to tell time is not easy. We encourage but must never frustrate. The goal of Montessori is to give the children the tools to succeed on their own.