Shapes: Our Three Part Montessori Lesson

This is our second three-part lesson.  To read about our first, check out this post.   

Currently, Q-ball's shelves are stocked with a variety of materials the emphasis shapes.  She had started to show an initial interest in different shapes, so I wanted to give her a chance to explore the topic a bit further.  In addition, to clearing digging our any materials that fostered shape exploration, I picked up books from the library that also focused on the topic.  I had never planned to do a formal lesson (she is 26 months old, after all, and I try to avoid too much formality).  However, last week, Q-ball suddenly seemed extremely engaged in the book Museum Shapes, so I decided to work in a quick lesson on shapes.

Supplies:

• Pictures of shapes.  We used the books Museum Shapes and Shape Capers. We both much prefer the former.
• Sensory that include lots of different shapes- blocks, sorting toys, puzzles, etc.

Blocks, Stacking and sorting materials, and egg shakers for the "oval" (turns out Q-ball really likes ovals!)

The Lesson:

• Step 1: I simply read the books to Q-ball, repeating the name of the shape several times as I pointed to different examples throughout the book.
• Step 2: After reading each book once, I read it again, and asked Q-ball to say the name of the shapes.  She was able to do this with the vast majority of shapes (arch and semi-circle were a little out of reach, but I presented seven shapes, focusing on the five most basic.  Most sources recommend presenting 3-5 objects in a 3 part lesson.) If you child is not able to do this with 100% accuracy, go back to step 1.  The goal is for your child to succeed, so you do not want to move forward until you have 100% success. Doing this over several days is more than acceptable!
• Step 3:  Then, I asked Q-ball if she wanted to find shapes in her toys.  She quickly jumped off of the couch with her book to find the matches.  Without much guidance from me, she was able to search her shelves and find "circle like my circle" when I opened the book to the circle page.

Extension Activities:  Q-ball came up with these extension games on her own!

• Group sensory materials by type.  (All circles in this corner; all squares in this corner.)
• Cut and glue.  Q-ball named the shape she wanted, and I cut it out.  Using glue stick, Q-ball glued it to paper.  (If your child has been introduced to scissors, you can, of course, switch roles.) 

Sources:
Montessori Mom. (2009). The three period lesson. Retrieved from http://www.montessorimom.com/three-period-lesson/
Montessori Print Shop Blog. (2012). How to give a Montessori 3 period lesson. Retrieved from http://www.montessoriprintshop.com/Give_a_3_Period_Lesson.html

Watch Her Grow...

This Week's Focus: Emotional Regulation and Independence

Classic American photos- With Ronald McDonald's (messy weather has sent us to "inside parks") and hot dogs with a baseball game.

Interactions with Materials

• Q-ball has started working with her puzzles again.  I love that she is able to maintain or re-start interest in an object, even after mastering it.
• As I mentioned last week, she starting exploring shapes.  This has continued as she has gravitated towards her sorting and stacking toys.
• She is also loving playing with blocks.  She's working on creating tunnels and train stations for her cars and trains.

Interactions with Others 

• Like most kids her age, Q-ball is clearly very concerned about other children (or cats) touching her things.  When she sees another child approaching (or just standing on the other side of the room), she immediately turns to me and tells me that she is "scared that boy will touch my toys/books/rock/etc.)  However, she does clearly understand and accept the idea of taking turns.  In fact, she seems genuinely excited that she gets to "wait in line" for the slide or other park item.
• She still enjoys her personal time. The only way I could get her to agree to go to our park day this week was to explain that she did not have to play with the other children.  In a very pro-social fashion, she chanted, "me do not have to play with other kids" for the majority of our time at the park.
• We also had our first tea party for her bears.  She used the wooden cookies, doughnuts, and plates that Grandma and Grandpa gave her for Christmas.

Interactions with Life 

• Q-ball has started a "screaming" phase.  I think this is the second time it's happened.  I don't exactly remember the first one lasting all that long, which is a little uplifting.  High pitch noises while driving, during dinner, and while grocery shopping are not very life-giving.  
• Mama and Daddy often do our exercises (body weight strength training, stretching, yoga, etc.) at home in the morning, and Q-ball loves joining in.  She especially likes doing push-ups and is now very taken with jumping jacks as she observed the homeschool PE group doing them at the park this week.  And, she loves to randomly do yoga moves throughout the day.

We are linking up with Vibrant Wanderings!  Check out what other kiddos are up to this week!

Watch Her Grow...

This Week's Focus: Emotional Regulation and Independence

Still not able to upload pictures..if there is anyone about there more tech savvy than me, let me know if you can think of anything!


Interactions with Materials

•  Q-ball's primary source of independent play continues to be pretend play that involves her stuffed animals. This morning she spent most of her time in pushing them in "strollers" (a high chair, laundry basket, and step stool).  She still loves to have them participate in all aspects of life- potty, sleep, dressing, eating, car riding, reading and playing.
• We planted a small container garden a few months ago, and she now enjoys going to water her daises. 

Interactions with Others 

• Q-ball has continued to open up to others.  She is especially excited about play dates with two close friends.  She talks about her play afterwards for days. Yesterday she was especially excited to explore a "jungle" with the other kiddos.  As for kids that are less recognizable to her, she still gets excited and talks about the opprotunity to "play with mine friends," but as soon as these children approach her, she typically instantly shows her fear through crying, screaming, or just freezing in place.

Critical Thinking

• This week, we focused on learning shapes.  Q-ball very interested and quickly caught on to all of the shape words.  (Description of this 3-part lesson to come!)
• Like all toddlers, she's very interested in finding and establishing her own order.  One way she is doing this is through matching like items around the house. 

Interactions with Life 

• She has reached the stage where she can't seem to make up her mind.  She say, "I want Mama to do it!"   Only to immediately realize that she doesn't want Mama to have anything to do with anything.  Fortunately, this hasn't lead to too much emotional trauma for the family, but I can certainly see the potential.
• She is getting quite good at expressing her emotions.  She'll tell me if something makes her sad.  Sometimes she'll even emphasize the point by telling me "I have tears."  She leads a pretty tough life!

We are linking up with Vibrant Wanderings!  Check out what other kiddos are up to this week!