We are a big fan of Montessori-inspired unit studies. It is such a fun, hands-on way to learn about new concepts!
Few months back we went on a fun beach holiday, and i had picked up packet full of gorgeous,lovely sea shells. We used it for few of our works here and there, but for most of the time they just were sitting idle in my Montessori supply cabinet. So i thought of creating a unit study focused on sea shells, and I am so glad I did, because my son has been having so much fun!
Let me quickly share with you the activities on his Montessori shelf. I will also link up my video at the end, so that you can have a closer look at the activities 🙂
1. Practical life: Dry and wet pouring works. I have started introducing a few glass cutlery on my son’s shelf (ONLY under my supervision). I was reluctant at the beginning, but i wanted to see how he could ‘handle’ it.
So far he is doing a wonderful task of carefully holding the glass wares. I am so proud of this little boy who is all of 30 months! I am so grateful to Dr. Montessori and her thought process behind every work and philosophy that she introduced to us.
2. Next we closely studied some shells using a magnifying glass.
3. Math work! This was a huge HIT. We focused on number “8” today…counting 8 beautiful shells and also traced the sandpaper number.
4. Sensorial work. I presented him a tray with flour (to be used as white sand), some sea animals and shells. He had so much fun creating a beach right inside our home 🙂
5. Art tray: We colored some shells. He showed so much focus and enthusiasm! And his friends joined in too! Talk about a 3-6 year old Montessori class, right at home <3
6. Tinker tray: open ended activity – i presented a tray with some green clay (depicting the green sea), some shells, pipe cleaners, forks etc. I just let him explore!
7. Size sorting activity: A simple activity to understand large, medium and small. So easy to create at home with just about any object.
Click below on my video where i have explained the activities in more details. Dont forget to subscribe to my YouTube Channel and Like my Facebook page for more activity ideas!
Cheers,
Amruta
Today i am linking up at :
Preschool and kindergarten community, The KLP linky party hosted by Every star is different and Montessori Nature,  Tot school Gathering Place
Hi Amruta…
Came across your blog recently. Your ideas and approach towards teaching is very interesting and fresh….Though you are a working mom..your efforts to create an experience for your child is comendable..there are few ideas i have used to teach my 5year old girl…keep up the good work & All the best!
Thank you so much, Yashashri 🙂 So good to know 🙂
Lovely ideas! And, you little video adds so MUCH!
Thank you so much <3
Wow! So many great ideas here! 🙂 I love the math and the practical life activities. Great work using shells for all these different areas of learning. 🙂
Thank you so much for your lovely words 🙂 Practical life tray was my son’s fave too 🙂 We love to have such hands-on works on our shelf! 🙂