Archives for January 2016

Life-Sized Mural for Classroom Theme

January 28, 2016 By Jessica Cooper Leave a Comment

The Emperor Penguin

GREAT idea for an Antarctica/Penguin theme!UMA graduate Jeanna Harris, owner of Cornerstone Montessori School in Silverdale, WA, shares:
“This morning the children compared their height to the actual height of an Emperor Penguin. The average adult Emperor is 4 feet tall and 90 pounds!”

Where/how did you obtain that beautiful mural?

“One of my student’s mom made it for me. She used prismacolor colored pencils and sharpie marker, on heavy paper. I had it laminated so we can use it for years to come!”

Beautiful! Thanks for sharing, Jeanna!

Pre-Language and Math Exercises

January 26, 2016 By Jessica Cooper Leave a Comment

Patterning and Sequencing Cards

UMA teacher-in-training, Tamara Stoll from Oregon, shares her lovely original project, to be placed in the pre-language area of her classroom.

The child can either

match the key to the pattern by placing directly on the card, or
replicate the pattern below the card.

The purpose of this lesson is to identify, match, and/or replicate the pattern given. This helps train the mind to “read” (left-to-right movement) and decode patterns (supports Algebraic thinking).

Good Weekend Reads

January 21, 2016 By Jessica Cooper Leave a Comment

Teachers, Homeschoolers & Parents

The Montessori community is friendly, encouraging, and helpful. There is a genuine understanding that any healthy promotion of the child is good for society—we all learn from those who are willing to share with others.

So fix yourself a nice warm cup of coffee or tea. Find a quiet moment this weekend and enjoy some thoughtful and insightful words to inspire you as a Montessori homeschooler, teacher, and parent.

35 Gifts Your Children Will Never Forget
Days of the Year – Great Theme Ideas for the Classroom
Meet this Montessori Family in Texas
Early Education with Younger Starts and Longer Stays

Martin Luther King Jr. – “I have a Dream”

January 15, 2016 By Jessica Cooper Leave a Comment

MLK Jr. Day – craft

“I have a dream that one day…”
“Never give up hope…”
“Love is the only way..”.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr

Here is a simple hands-on activity, applicable for the upcoming remembrance and celebration of Dr. King’s life – His dream for all of humanity and his ability to make this world a better place. (click image)

Congratulations Cornerstone Montessori!

January 11, 2016 By Jessica Cooper Leave a Comment

Congratulations to Jeanna Harris, UMA graduate, who had a GREAT first day at the new school which she just opened …Cornerstone Montessori on the Kitsap Peninsula in Washington State. Jeanna, may you be a blessing to and be blessed by all the young lives you will continue to guide and nurture throughout the years ahead!