Catching Up With Our Three Year Olds and Our Youngest Students ~ Part 2

Here is Part 2 of our blog about the Montessori work our youngest students are doing.

Sandpaper Numbers

The Sandpaper Numbers are similar to the Sandpaper Letters described in Part 1 of our blog about the work of our youngest students.  The Sandpaper Numbers consist of ten thin boards on each of which is glued a number from '0' to '9' cut from smooth sandpaper.  The purpose of this material is to introduce the symbols for the quantities '0' to '9'.

In the photograph below, L. has been introduced to the numbers '3', '4' and '5'. 

L. is feeling each number using a light and continuous touch while saying the name of each number.

The Spindle Box

The Spindle Box is a tray divided into sections labelled '0' through '9'.  A separate box contains forty-five wooden spindles.

The purpose of this material is to show that numbers can represent a collection of single objects,  to experience the quantity of 'zero' and to show the child that '0' to '9' are all the symbols needed for arithmetic.  In order to work with this material the child must be able to identify all of the Sandpaper Numbers.

In the photograph below, E. is setting out all of the spindles below the Spindle Box.

In the following photographs E. is counting the spindles and placing them in the appropriate partitioned space.

Weekly Craft

Each week the children participate in our weekly craft.  In the following photographs, N. and L. are making a reindeer.

 

Printing in the Montessori Classroom

The indirect preparation for printing begins with the early Practical Life and Sensorial exercises.  The early exercises refine and strengthen the child's fine motor skills and the three finger grip necessary for holding a pencil.

Cutting strips with scissors is an example of a Practical Life exercise which focuses on manipulative skills and prepares the child's hand for printing.  In the following photographs A. is so engrossed in her work with the scissors that she is oblivious to everything around her.  

A.'s work with the Practical Life activities has refined her fine motor skills and has led to tracing work and practicing letters on the unlined chalkboard.

Printing Individual Letters on The Unlined Chalkboard

The unlined chalkboard is used with the Sandpaper Letters and the Sandpaper Numbers.  The purposed of this material is to assist the child with the proper formation of letters and numbers.  When a child is able to form their letters correctly on the unlined chalkboard, they are introduced to printing their letters using a pencil and unlined paper.

In the following photographs, O. is practicing printing her name.

Printing On Lined Paper

 When a child is able to form their letters correctly on unlined paper, they are then introduced to printing their letters on lined paper.

In the following photographs, R. is practicing her letters in her printing book.