Areas of the Montessori Classroom

Mathematics

 

 

 

 

The mathematics area of our classroom is set up so children can engage with hands-on manipulative materials.  Rather than teaching math as an abstract concept we introduce everything from an understanding of numeration from one to ten to the Pythagorean theory in a developmentally appropriate manner. 

Botany and Nature

Language

Sensorial

Practical Life

Teaching infants...

I can't count the times this week I've heard, "So you're not teaching any more?" when individuals learn we've begun accepting infants.  Actually, we've found we have more opportunities to teach...and not just the older children.  Maria Montessori described various "sensitive stages" for learning.  These stages started from birth, thus Montessori believed that education should start from birth.  We share this same belief at Riverwoods Learning Center.  

From birth throughout the child's first year there are two major areas of development--movement and language.  As early 1-2 months a child begins to learn the complex concept of cause and effect. When they move their hand into an object the object moves.  At this point the child is ready for simple grasping and reaching exercises and the introduction of simple toys such as the grasping beads.

Children at this age also need freedom of movement.  This is why we limit the "baby holders" in our infant environment and focus on giving the infants--even those who are not yet quite "mobile"--time on the floor to move freely.  Montessori was opposed to the use of objects such as swings and walkers, which limit a child's ability to move their body naturally and often puts them in unnatural positions before they are able to truly support themselves.  While we've found with multiple infants sometimes these "baby holders" are a life saver, we limit their use as much as possible. Montessori also encouraged the use of a simple "floor bed" known as a topponcino, a simple mat on the floor.  I've found the toppocino has the added benefit of extra support while holding an infant that needs comforting, and it is easier to transfer a sleeping infant from arms to the floor or pack 'n play (necessary again in an environment where a sleeping child can easily be tripped over). 

Having an infant in a mixed age group also provides the opportunity for older children, even toddler-aged little ones, to develop empathy and an understanding of the needs of others.

So through the simple provision of time and a child-centered environment we're developing cause & effect, fine motor and gross motor development skills, self help skills, social competency, language and literacy skills, etc.  I'd say that fits into the definition of "teaching" as far as I am concerned!

Apple picking time!

The best thing about being back home is easy access to a nearly unlimited source of apples.  We've learned about apples all week this week!

This week we read several books about apples including Apple Trouble and Up, Up, Up It's Apple Picking Time!   We picked our apples straight from the apple tree and made a graph of the different types: Red Delicious, Yellow Delicious, and Johnathan apples.  We also learned a new apple song!

5 (Red/Green/Yellow) apples hanging in a tree, juiciest apples I ever did see!  I shook that tree as hard as I could--down came those apples, Mmmm they were good!   Of course we count down (and then often up again) to practice our math skills.  

We also worked on self help skills using an apple cutter to cut our apples! 

We've eaten apples in many different ways...with cheese, peanut butter, and plain of course!  Next week we are going to try making apple juice! 

The Pied Piper of Riverwoods...

For the last two weeks I've had the opportunity to teach alongside "Mr. Even".  Anyone who knows me knows I am extremely particular about choosing the individuals who get to work with my kids.  I interviewed over a dozen applicants, and hands down Even's credentials were far beyond that of any other.  But that's not why I invited him into our classroom--neither were the exceptional references I got from individuals he hadn't even asked for a reference!  The ultimate deciding factor for me is how an individual can engage with the children.  I look for someone who can get down on the child's level, invite the child to express themselves, and keep children engaged.  I could instantly tell after only a few minutes watching him with the kids that Even meets all of those criteria!   Another parent and I promptly dubbed him the "Pied Piper of Riverwoods" because of his amazing ability to pull out his guitar and instantly turn a chaotic classroom into a group of engaged, giggling children.  He makes me want to learn to play the guitar. 

Unfortunately he's decided to grace another classroom with his presence (apparently he has a family to feed...), but no worries!  He's agreed to stay on to teach what I know will be amazing music classes!  He'll be teaching 3 classes every Saturday morning--a "Go Baby Go" class for our littlest learners, "Wiggles and Blues" for children of all ages, and a beginner guitar class.  Register now for these sure-to-be amazing classes! 

P.S. Don't worry...your children will be returned at the end of the class. 

Mini-Montessori Program!

I am so excited...our infant/toddler Montessori materials have just arrived!  I am thrilled with the way we've been able to set up the "baby zone" in our classroom.

 Our "Baby Bugs" have their own sink for hand washing before snack & bottle preparation  and a just-their-size table for snacks & play time. 

 A cozy place for the tiniest ones to lie and relax or our toddlers to climb 

and discover in our mirrored triangle!  

 Our shelves of hands-on learning materials designed specifically for our littlest learners.  

Our "Mini Montessori" class meets Mondays & Wednesdays from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM.  Early drop off & "lunch bunch" hours are available.  Cost is $4.00 per hour.  You are welcome to drop off and get errands run or stick around and learn and play along with your child! 

Timp Cave Hike

Our "nature explorers" hit the trail for a hike up to Timpanogos Cave!   The hike was long (including the trip through the cave it is about 3 1/2 miles), but the cave was cool--in more ways than one!

 We have been learning about different types of rocks and minerals, so it was fun to explore the different geological formations along the trail!

Our Youngest Hikers

We learned that Stalactites hold on "tight" to the ceiling, and to watch out for Stalagmites because they might trip you!

A few more in our group

 All of our kids were troopers, but it was a LONG way to go!  While we had a lot of fun in the future I would recommend this trip for children over the age of 6.  We had a 1:1 ratio, but still had to be cautious as there are steep drop offs.  And I wasn't crazy about the "Stay on the trail...beware of rattlesnakes" signs along the way.  I don't mind snakes--but prefer not to encounter the type that bite! 

Projects Work

"Project Work" is a concept that is becoming more common within the early childhood community as research continues to show children learn best when ideas are integrated surrounding a topic of interest rather than segregated into specific learning areas.  Project work consists of extended studies of topics selected based on the interests of the children within a group.  Since the beginning of the month I have been on the look out for common threads that may lead to a whole-group project.  I began to see some threads coming together on last week's nature walk!

Our nature explorers group has been studying rocks and minerals.  During some of our conversations we discussed the concept of "alive" and "not alive".  Some of the children's comments during our nature walk brought me back to this concept of what "alive" means for the young child.  When we returned from our nature walk I sat down with the children and guided them in a conversation about what "alive" actually means....this is what they had to say!

Collin (age 6): It's like something that can move.
Emmeline (age 4): Like us?
Becton (age 4): That something can move. Sometimes hands are alive because they move their fingers.  I think a bee is alive, 'cause it flies and goes buzz...
Ms. Heather: Is there anything alive you see by us?"
Emmeline: The river.

This piece adding to the conversation was unexpected, but as you will ultimately see has become the basis of our study topic!  

Ultimately we decided our definition of "alive" consisted of the following: An object is alive if it a) moves without being touched, b) makes a noise, and c) grows. 

Now you may be wondering why I didn't correct the children and inform them that an object is alive if it requires air, consumes nutrients, and multiplies.  The answer is simply this...

Children will have plenty of time to find answers.  However, the further along they go in traditional "education" models they will discover there is limited time to ask questions.  I could give children the answers and "teach" them any number of useful and interesting concepts.  However, by allowing the children to discover and build their own theories I provide a foundation for children to actually learn how to learn.   What this conversation did was show me the children have vivid ideas and an  ability to draw conclusions based on scientific "research".  What amazingly competent beings these littlest learners really are!

Early Learners Program

Our first official week of our Early Learner's program has begun!  I prefer the term "Early Learners" to preschool, as I believe educating a child begins at birth, and I am not simply preparing a child for school...I am preparing them for life long learning.  I have come to the realization that oftentimes for young children and adults alike more learning takes place outside of the classroom than in it! Nevertheless, we do learn as we play (and play as we learn)...here are some of our favorite activities!

Montessori Practical Life: Fine Motor Development

Expressive/Creative Art

Water Play & Float/Sink Experiments

"Cooking" in the Kitchen

Chillin' out in the baby zone!

Exploring the Mirrored Triangle

Helping with classroom clean up

Montessori Color Tablet Work

Montessori Knobless Cylinders

"Measuring" Objects on a Nature Walk

Playing "Hide and Seek"

 After a busy morning in the classroom our little group decided it was time for a nature walk.  Before we left we learned about "predicting" and made a list of what we thought we might see on our nature walk...

 Things We Predicted We Might See

Trees

Water

Waterfall

Ducks

Animals

 

Things We Saw On Our Walk

Trees

"Flat Water"

Dog

Insects

Bushes

Storm Drains

We reviewed our list after returning to the classroom and discussed some of our observations...more on that to come!

Look how far we've come!

This is what our classroom looked like at the beginning of August...

 This is how our classroom looked at the beginning of August--an empty room waiting to be filled with learning materials and fun!  Nothing but a couple carpets and tape to define the learning spaces where furnishings would soon go...not that I actually stuck to the plan for more than 5 minutes at a time!  I went through a lot of painters tape. 

A friend & former parent of some of my favorite students (they are all my favorite!) took these pictures at one of our "date nights" at the end of August, just 3 weeks later!

Our Writing Center

Music & Movement Area

Montessori Work Shelves

Kitchen Play

Tree House in the Blocks Area

Our Science Table

 And most important, kids to fill the room up (and, incidentally a teacher 

to make sure everything runs relatively smoothly). 

Riverwoods Learning Center is a unique, child-centered program providing holistic and naturalistic, developmentally appropriate, learning experiences for young children.  We believe children learn best through learning experiences that are hands-on, exploration based, and community centered.

Our services include a nature-based preschool, private kindergarden, science and art-based enrichment classes, and after school clubs for older children.

View our website for more information! 

Hours:

Mon - Fri: 9:30 AM- 5:00 PM

Sat: By Appointment

Sun: Closed

Location:

Riverwoods Village (near the Shops at Riverwood)

5107 Edgewood Drive

Provo, UT 84604

*We are in the building to the North of Color Me Mine!

Contact Us

(801) 636-5617

 info@riverwoodslearningcenter.com