My HomeMade Montessori

I have been LEARNING COUPONS and MY NEW BLOG

2011-06-01T20:52:00.000-07:00

To all of you, my DEDICATED "MY HOMEMADE MONTESSORI," I have been learning to coupon. Yes, I'm still alive but watching the show EXTREME COUPONING, I have started another passion. If you want to follow me on MY LEARNING TO COUPON BLOG, feel free to follow me by visiting my new blog called LEARNING TO COUPON WITH LISA. If you want to follow me on facebook as well, the address link is LEARNING COUPONS. And if you coupon in MISSOURI feel free to follow my new group for Missouri couponing here, WE USE COUPONS IN MISSOURI.

Thanks for the following! Lisa:)

Rainbow Yarn Art

2011-04-03T12:43:00.000-07:00

This picture was made for me by a school age child and I thought how wonderful for this idea. We are going to do these this week. Simple and beautiful!

HUGE FREE PAINT CHIPS by Better Home and Garden

2011-04-03T12:39:00.000-07:00

HUGE FREE PAINT CHIPS by Better Homes and Garden available now at Walmart where I found these in bright, beautiful, bold colors. These are very generous in size and free. Great for pinching activities.

Amazing Printable X Rays

2011-04-03T12:34:00.000-07:00

Amazing Printable X Rays:

I looked each one of these up on google.com images and compiled them to one large x~ray that we are going to add to our science center. Arent these to cool? I thought the children would love looking at these. I may add them to our science tray with a magnifying glass like our other ones. Just print and add to your activities.

Best Thing I ever bought #3~PUPPET THEATRE

2011-04-03T12:27:00.000-07:00

Best Thing I ever bought #3 is our PUPPET THEATRE:

This has been a puppet theatre, a store front with shelves on the reverse side to store food in until purchased just to name a few. It has a big rod to change the curtains out in which we do each month. Just a sold good purchase. Never has flipped over. Very well made. Just a wonderful sound product.

Rock and Shell Exploration Egg Carton Sets

2011-03-30T11:22:00.000-07:00

Rock and Shell Exploration Egg Carton Sets:

I made this set for our science and exploration set but Im making two more sets today along with a shell science and exploration set, as well. The children really like the hands on touching these. I hot glued them in an egg carton and they fit in eac little cup snuggly like they were made to be inside there. When done, close up and place back on shelf. Pull out as demanded. Enjoy!

New "FROM BOXES" column added today (inspired by Michelle)

2011-03-30T09:14:00.000-07:00

New "FROM BOXES" column added today (inspired by Michelle):

Today I added is a search for "from boxes" column. Inspiring me to do this is Michelle of Kozy Kids Family Childcare . She always visits my blog and tells me what great ideas I have and leaves such WONDERFUL comments. Check out what she is making this week with celery experiments and changing colors. She has tons of useful activities as mine and even made a HUGE BOAT from cardboard. Stop by and tell her hello. Shes such a "quality child care provider." Search for this activity by clicking "from boxes."

Toddler Treasure Stick Pull Along Activity

2011-03-30T07:14:00.000-07:00

This is our Toddler Treasure Stick. We take our Toddler sticks outise on walks with us and the children can carry them easily with the small child sized wood handles. I screwed this round screw inside the wood, made
several sticks of thin line like fishing line or think clothes line and threaded what treasure I have onto them and tied them off. I taped right underneath then knot and handle so they don't come unraveled. The jems I found at Walmart in their creative isle in the back of the store, around where the empty jars are to make your own fireplace lookables and conversation pieces. The children love these. The teddy bears came from Oriental Trading years ago and are necklace teddies, I also added huge beads and plastic threading straws and beads. Change the colors out for more visual stimulation. Enjoy!

OUR BUSY BOX (CLIMB INTO)

2011-03-29T17:12:00.000-07:00

This is our BUSY BOX that we climb into:

I made this out of a sturdy target box, thank goodness for target that ships a movie in a box this big at Christmas. When I seen it, I about screamed since this was the perfect size for my idea of a busy box. I added metal tuna cans, metal jar lids, adding stickers on the lids so when they are turned, the results change out. Never the same ending result. I attached wood blocks on the inside so the jar lids and wood just spin to build the small muscle skills, attention spans, concentration, one on one activity work to name a few. I added a cheese box to the wooden put your hand through wall so they could put their babies in the window like a mailbox feeling. I found this little mirror at walmart in the bird section and I re-inforced it all around the edges with glue gun glue. I found this cute frankensteing picture to add a little excitement to the surroundings. Im still looking to add a carpet if I find the right size but until then, its a very chosen favorite. Enjoy this idea!

Study Links Quality Child Care to Success in Early School Readiness

2011-03-29T08:33:00.000-07:00

I used this article in my favor to get a grant several years ago. I thought I would share to see if would help anyone else out or just for a little incentive to say, "Hey, Your doing a great job!" It should come up bigger when you click on it. Feel free to print and post by your entrance as I do, in a nice frame. Have a nice day!

Barbecue Grills to welcome Spring

2011-03-28T16:55:00.000-07:00

I made these barbecue grills from boxes that were really sturdy and the perfect size. I found a dish drying rack and took it apart and used it on the top of both grills by poking holes through the one side of each box with a pen, threaded yarn onto a bobby pin and pushed it through the holes and repeated about 20 times. Now the lids lift up to add and remove food, pans, food turners and more. I found a table cloth that had circles on it on clearance for .50 and I thought it looked like briquets so I made little rectangled pillows and fit them inside the box on two sides. I hot glued a cardboard strip down the middles on two sides to hold the pillow briquets in and left space in the middle for the cooking utensils on the one grill. I covered one in a blue and white table cloth to look like a picnic theme. I also put a small plate on card board and traced around it to make burners. Then I tied them on with the same technique as I did with the grill tops. They turned out so adorable. And it all stays self contained when they are both not in use. I added buttons and lids that actually turn by adding a piece of wood on the inside that I attached the screw through once the button and baby food jar lid went through the box. So, its all realistic and fun. Challenge their imaginations. Here is another picture to see what they turned out like. Enjoy!

Best Things I ever bought count up #2 Our Pet Zoey

2011-03-28T13:01:00.000-07:00

Best Things I ever bought count up #2 Our Pet Zoey

Each child is so excited to come to school, bring an apple or carrots for Zoey or just to pet her. They have learned how to care for her and empathy for our baby Zoey. I would do it all again to have her.

Best Things I ever bought count up #1 is THIS Step 2 Camper Playhouse

2011-03-28T12:53:00.000-07:00

I am counting up the top things I have ever purchased while in Child Care for over 21 years. This is the top activity. It is a STEP TWO CAMPER PLAYHOUSE that has since been discontinued but the number one favorite chosen, most used, activity ever. Stay tuned as I count up more of the most cherished activities.

Shadow Match Learning Mat

2011-03-27T10:27:00.000-07:00

I put this learning mat together by tracing around each prop and then the child finds the prop to the shadow match and places it on top. A fun way to teach object placement.

Fill the Rainbow Learning Mat

2011-03-27T09:36:00.000-07:00

I made this learning tray to help welcome spring with a rainbow, sparking the childrens imagination. I started by cutting out the red middle from a hands free shape, then cut another shape from green about 2 inches bigger, then yellow and then blue. By adding left over foam and plastic props, it made a perfect learning mat. I did laminate to prolong the mat usage. Easy to make and so creative.

Teaching Roles in Life.......

2011-03-26T17:44:00.000-07:00

Feeding a baby through pictures: This week we were working on "feeding a baby" and I made these colorful bubble bottles so each child could pick what color of bottle they wanted to use, to feed the babies. First I showed them how to feed the baby, where to position the bottle and then how to hold the bottle up so the baby wouldn't get air. It went really well. This boy is 2 and mastered it by himself. Im really proud of each of them. They have a lot of empathy for their babies.

Share: Meet ZOEY our outside PET

2011-03-25T16:23:00.000-07:00

Share: Meet ZOEY our outside PET:

This is another reason why the children look out the windows in addition to the birds eating in the feeder, vehicles, parents arriving and leaving (waving) and the weather. Shes a good pet 2.

Sensory Glue Rounds With Feely Beads

2011-03-25T09:54:00.000-07:00

Sensory Glue Rounds With Feely Beads:

The children helped me make these sensory rounds in tuna fish cans we used and washed out. We added glue in the bottom on the can about a half an inch thick, dropped all these odds and ends pieces of beads and things that we pick up out of no where and we made these awesome glue rounds. I made some for my purse and we added some to our sensory box. These are so awesome. They are very flexible. The glue width will depend on how big your objects are that you want to contain. These are about 2 weeks old. A great texture activity. Enjoy!

Easter: Bunny Tray Work

2011-03-24T18:11:00.000-07:00

Making Easter: Bunny Tray Work: Share:

You can make a BUNNIES to beddies tray by searching out plastic necklace bears or animals that are straight in shape so they will fit inside of the cubes of ice cube trays. You will need two ice cube trays to transfer back and forth transferring bunnies to one bed then back to the resting tray. They can also be pulled from a holding tray like in our tray here and then placed in one ice cube tray. All items need to be put on a tray for carrying to table. I purchased my bunnies from Dollar General, my ice cube trays I had.

On another tray to have two choices, a parent gave me a foam dozen egg holder and I hot glued it inside a box that fit it perfectly. Painted it and made this second tray for more choices related to Easter.

Teaches children: care and empathy, builds attention spans, improves eye and hand coordination, builds small muscle skills, left to right work, concentration, taking care of a pet, following directions to name a few.

Enjoy~

Making Teddies to Beddies Tray

2011-03-24T17:46:00.000-07:00

Making Teddies to Beddies Tray: Share:

You can make a teddies to beddies tray by searching out plastic necklace bears or animals that are straight in shape so they will fit inside of the cubes of ice cube trays. You will need two ice cube trays to transfer back and forth transferring teddies to one bed then back to the resting tray. They can also be pulled from a holding tray like in our tray here and then placed in one ice cube tray. All items need to be put on a tray for carrying to table. I purchased my teddies from Oriental Trading, my ice cube trays I had, the brown transfer tray, I believe used to hold some kind of bullets and has been salvaged, washed and sterilized for our use.

Enjoy~

Share:Windows:Observing Nature

2011-03-24T17:27:00.000-07:00

Never to Young for Dress Up.....

2011-03-24T17:14:00.000-07:00

Toddler Pull Around Treasure Sticks

2011-03-19T04:39:00.000-07:00

Im back, I made these Toddler Pull Arounds for toddlers to carry and figit with therefore building small muscle skills, eye and hand coordination, building self esteem and attention scans. They are proud to carry and pull these little figit toys around. Carrying it around by the little small red wooden handle. Such a great activity to take outside for a walk, as well.

What have I been Up To? Object Placement Work 2

2011-03-05T08:07:00.000-08:00

What have I been Up To? Object Placement Work 2:

After making my first placement tray (My Original Idea) seen below, was my first idea to put to use extra pizza boxes that have a solid foundation and tons of little medicine bottles donated every month for recycling I just came up with a placement activity that makes so much sense and is so educational for the children.

In this placement work pictured above, I am trying slightly bigger bottles and boxes that a toddler and preschooler can clutch in their hands but be more challenging to the next level. I don't have it ready for them to use, but this one should prove to be an educational challenge next for March. I cut bottles in half, traced around them, cut the shapes out and placed them inside. The sizes are challenging because some fall deeper into the box so I have to get the size just right so their "work" is successful in the end.

Im using medicine bottles, small candy boxes, trix yogurt cups (not cut in half), small drink size containers that fit in perfect. When I get it painted and mod podged, I will show in my blog what the ending product looks for me to share with the children in March. This is what I have been up to.

Infant Grasping: Encourage Success

2011-03-05T07:05:00.000-08:00

Infant Grasping: Encouraging Successful Environment:

I added this ribbon to one of my infant chairs, curled it with a pencil and wondered if "he" was ready for a new task of "grasping." Here it is: results.............he was! How sweet when I seen this. Spontaneous learning.

Rainbow Bug Scoop Tray Work

2011-03-05T07:01:00.000-08:00

Rainbow Bug Scoop:

I made this Rainbow Bug Scooping Set to stimulate the children's imagination. Child chooses this tray off of the shelf of choices. Takes it to the table, gets comfortable and starts pan frying the foam buglets, then lets them cool on the cooling dish and then they are scooped into their color sorting block on the mat. Repeat for success! I purchased the play kitchen items at Deals and the foam bugs from Oriental Trading. I made the mat myself. Encourage imagination!

Exploration and Texture Sensory Rounds

2011-02-27T13:11:00.000-08:00

Exploration and Texture n Sensory Rounds:

I used the regular salt playdough recipe to make these exploration and texture sensory rounds. Before I put some of the salt playdough in the random containers, I added beans, wood shapes, sensory balls to some of the bottoms and some on the tops to add texture to each shape to make them different. Each shape is a different sensory texture for the children to explore. The second picture is when I just made them and the first picture is when they are drying and I added two layers of mod podge to them to prevent beaking and cracking. Great to add a magnifying glass to for sight exploration and great for hands on touching for tactile experiences, homemade.

Fruit Sorting Set

2011-02-27T12:38:00.000-08:00

Fruit Sorting Set:

I cut a box in half and attached strawberry baskets inside of 4. One in each corner. Then I added four kinds of foam fruits to sort into the corner baskets. Once finished all the items can go on either side. Box folds up nice. What a great resource to share becoming more familiar with fruits and shapes.

Picture to Word Vocabulary Building Cards

2011-02-27T12:32:00.000-08:00

Picture to Word Vocabulary Building Cards:

I made these cards by attaching the pictures to thick cardboard and attaching package tape across the top and continuing on to the back. They should last for years to come. The child chooses the Tray off of the choice shelves, takes one card out at a time. Names the picture, see's the word that relates to the picture learning that they go together visually and memory building that word association to that picture to know relation in print rich environments with pictures. Repeat until desired cards are done, place back in custom build cardboard placement box and return to shelf. For other children to take advantage of. Repeat for more
picture to word skill building.

Marble Scooping Activity

2011-02-27T12:24:00.000-08:00

Marble Scooping Activity:

I have a passion to create Montessori Manipulatives. It just comes natural for me to see trays at flea markets, thrift stores, stores and I can come up with a wonderful learning idea. This plastic Tray I purchased for .25 and it worked perfect for Marble to tray scooping work. This little spoon hugged the marble perfect.

Child scoops one marble up at a time and transfers each one to each perfect fitting snug hole on the transfer tray until all holes are filled. Then they finger transfer them back. Place this tray back to choices from shelf for another child to take advantage of and learn from. Building attention spans, concentration, independence, following directions, to name a few.

Magnetic Numbers to Can Matching Set

2011-02-27T12:16:00.000-08:00

Magnetic Numbers to Can Matching Set:

I took a piece of construction paper, traced the magnetic numbers on it by random. Outlined the numbers with a magic marker. Laminated the paper. Cut it down to fit the metal coffee can and attached it with tape. The magnets store right inside.

Child takes the teaching can off of the choices on the shelf, places it on a tray where they are sitting to build concentration, independence, following directions and more. They take all the magnets out and place in a holding tray they choose from the tray as well. Turn the can until all the numbers are matched. Repeat for success and repetition. Put all numbers back in the can. Put lid on. Return to shelf for another child to benefit from.

Sensory ORB Storage

2011-02-25T22:08:00.000-08:00

Our store had a sale on "monkey bread." So I get two packages, take them home, within 3 days, I had made both of them and shared them with the children. The bowls from that treat turned out to be great for holding our sensory orbs for or shelf so the children can hands on explore them when they take them to their chosen place and tray. Nice and heavy dish, I will get two more of these soon and put them to good use in my rock
collection and shells next.

My Sensory FEELY BOX

2011-02-25T21:45:00.000-08:00

I have a never ending supply of boxes due to a friend working at a store close to me. So, I am always thinking of ways to include boxes into my teachings. This activity can be for any of the children I care for. Its a homemade SENSORY FEELY BOX. I took a box, covered it with leftover table cloth covering that I glued on with regular school glue. Took another box that was slightly bigger and made a box for the top, that slides over the bottom perfectly. I cut to holes out and covering it in the table cloth to. Inside, I added really fuzzy material for a great sensory tactle experience. It took many hours to dry, infact I didn't do anything with it overnight. Then after adding the fuzzy material by putting glue down first, I can add any sensory materials or shapes I want. This week, I added sensory orbs that I made from material and the red orb is from recycled foam egg cartons cut down, glued on and painted. Then I mod podged over it. It has the BEST texture to it.

To make a free ball, roll newspaper into a ball shape. Wrap in any kind of tape. Then apply glue and layers of materials that you want. Let dry. Your done. Such a fun learning activity. Enjoy!

Salt Dough DRAGONFLIES

2011-02-19T14:50:00.000-08:00

Salt Dough DRAGONFLIES:

We made these dragonflies out of salt playdough we made homemade. Pressed them onto the rounds, baked them and mod podged them twice. We are putting them in our science exploration box #2 for insects I hope to have it done this week, then I will share it. Add kaleidiscopes or a magnifying glass to them adds a lot of curious learning. Great textures and colors.

Sound Box Activity

2011-02-19T14:33:00.000-08:00

Sound Box Activity:

I made this textured box to hold our new "sound box" activities. The children can choose this and shake, rattle and roll the different musical instruments that are in the box. Great for auditory hands on exploration.

Directions: Child chooses this activity from the shelf, either carries it to their independent place to sit down at the table. I will assist them in carrying the activity myself until they are able to do it for themselves if they are toddlers. I am there for them. Child takes one piece out at a time shakes it, rattles it or rolls it and then places it on the table in front of them until all activities of interest are explored. All items are returned to the sound box and returned to the Montessori Shelf for others to enjoy!

I hot glue textured material onto the sturdy cardboard boxes after their cut to our needs, depending on what activities are being offered. A great sensory experience for the child to enjoy!

Share: Ball drop Thrift Store find

2011-02-19T14:12:00.000-08:00

Share: Ball drop Thrift Store find for .25

Ive been wanting a ball drop to encourage learning about cause and effect but they were all close to 50.00 that are well made. Good thing I held out because I found this one at our local thrift store for a quarter. Im going to add a light bad mitten ball and see if it works this week, as a set.

Share: Crocheted Discs on Wood Peg Threading Work

2011-02-19T14:06:00.000-08:00

Crocheted Discs on Wood Peg Threading Work:

I found this at a local thrift store for only a quarter. What a find. I wish I knew how to crochet these but I may change them out to cardboard discs that have a opening in the middle that I home make to add variety to this activity at a later date. What a find when I am looking.

Finger Transferring to HOOKs

2011-02-19T13:52:00.000-08:00

Finger Transferring to Hooks:

This is my 201 POST! YEAH! With 45 Followers, I plan to add many more ideas to share with all of you. I made this last month but the children wern't ready for it. Im going to re-introduce it this week. I made it by making holes in the can with a nail and hammer, attaching little screws that I had left over in my sorter drawers. Painted it. I made the friends ornaments at Christmas and these are mini ones I made out of material glued to hard cardboard. I attached yarn on the back, then attached another kind of material. Mod podged over both sides. This little wooden box hold the transferring ornaments that build on friendships. I was told that you can't poke holes in the can, but you can. lol I painted over the whole can and hooks to show the activity as a whole object to cut down on confusion. So, this is on our shelves for this week. I plan to make a few more sets of these built around themes of their interest. What a simple yet educational activity.

Directions: Child takes the can to their table area, places it on a tray, gets a holding tray from the basket of trays they choose from like the wooden box if they choose, sits down andgets comfortable, independently works to remove all ornaments from the can to the holding tray, then finger transfers each ornament back to a hook, filling all of the hooks up. Building their self esteem, they get a sticker from the sticker bowl and places it by their name on the chart next to this activity, where a picture is posted. A great incentive to build independence within each child.

Color Boxes Added: Orange and Green

2011-02-13T12:17:00.000-08:00

Color Boxes Added: Orange and Green:

This week I added to our color boxes of "green and orange." I made them from recycled juice and gatorade bottles. Its easy pick up for small hands with the plastic tab holders and the items don't fall out if their tipped. Now our collection just lacks white and brown. Those will be the last 2 in our collection.The fabric covered side wholes I cut big enough for small hands to get big objects out to explore hands on, build small muscle skills and add new objects they can see and pull out and put back when done exploring.

Wooden Napkin Rings on Wooden Paper Towel Holder

2011-02-13T11:55:00.000-08:00

Wooden Napkin Rings on Wooden Paper Towel Holder:

After introducing this activity two weeks ago, the toddlers and preschoolers are choosing it often. I am seeing lots of random color threading with the napkin beads but have seen some patterning in my preschoolers. This was a great idea to introduce. Perfect for small hands.

Multi-Cultural Pictures

2011-02-13T11:48:00.000-08:00

Multi-Cultural Pictures:

I copied these off, glued them to thick cardboard and inserted it inside a huge ziplock and attached the picture inside the sensory house so my toddlers could see different toddlers of cultures. We had a little girl from India last year and she blended right in with no questions. We love all of our friends we make.

Smaller Color Progression Box HomeMade

2011-02-02T19:26:00.000-08:00

Smaller Color Progression Box HomeMade:

This is my second "Color Progression Box" that I have made homemade. The one I made last week, was way to large in color choices for the younger children that I guide and care for. This one may be to large yet, but I won't know until I put it out in our choices. I decided to scatter the colors and make them bold to start them out with. Then carry on to the larger one with patterns and more "like colors." This one contains approx. 24 pinching clothes pins. I re-inforced the pinching walls with a second layer of thick cardboard and layers of mod podge and it will last a long time to come. When I took these pictures, it was still drying. I hope to include this in our choices this week, room permitted on the shelf or next week when I rotate.

Cold Marble Valentines Day Shapes

2011-02-02T19:01:00.000-08:00

Cold Marble Valentines Day Shapes:

I am putting these "Marble Valentines Day Coasters" in the fridge to make them cold, then going to add them to our sensory choices for Valentines Day. The children can stack them and un-stack them into the matching marble holder. A great sensory experience for Valentines Day!

Share: Sensory Containment Containers: Its on the Shelf

2011-02-02T18:48:00.000-08:00

Share: Sensory Containment Containers: Its on the Shelf:

I made these SENSORY CONTAINMENT CONTAINERS out of juice lids, milk lids, pop lids, small tuna cans and they are perfect for little hands to hold, examine and wow over. Noticing details, odds and ends, flowers, shapes, textures and a touch of nature, these have turned out to be a great asset to our Montessori shelves. I added recycled levis to the edges from the seams of the jeans for more added tactile experiences. These are shown in our picture below, bottom left hand corner. I made their own storage box out of cardboard and bumpy sensory material. Were upto about 50 rounds now and building.

Do you like our activities? Feel free to leave us a comment to let us know you were here. Enjoy!

Added Kaleidoscopes to our Xrays Trays

2011-02-02T18:27:00.000-08:00

Added Kaleidoscopes to our Xrays Trays:

We made these X-RAY CARDS from older school magazines to recycle the pictures with the children. We cut them out and added them to cardboard, added two layers of mod podge on them and they turned out to be such a neat added health and xray unit. The little bucket I got from the Dollar Store for .25 and we added 3 kaleidoscopes to our tray. When the children look through them it makes many little pictures of one xray, a 3-d effect. So, we took the magnifying glass off and went with their interests. A common choice this week among our toddlers and preschoolers. Sure to be a favorite we keep out a lot.

Share: Tornado/Candle Observation

2011-02-02T18:11:00.000-08:00

Share: Tornado/Candle Observation:

The children and I, we did an observation on a candle that we put on a candle warmer. Since, a few years ago, we suffered a TORNADO in our town, I thought it would be good to show the children what one might look like or resemble to this candle. As it warmed up, it made a rope in the bottom like what we seen that day when the tornado hit. Many of the children have had what happened to our town bottled up and this seemed to help them express their memories and work through their feelings related to this experience.

We did this under close supervision and was a lot of fun!

Shake, Soft, Smooth Sensory Tray

2011-02-02T18:01:00.000-08:00

Shake, Soft, Smooth Sensory Tray:

I put my new yarn shapes on this new choice tray along with red shake and make bubbles bottles, a new shell that is really slick feeling, paint brush, a soft sorting handmade disc, black feely tray and a handmade sensory containment lid with jewels in it. The children can "hands on" explore each item and then place them back on the tray and back on the tray after they feel each texture.

Sensory Yarn ShApEs ToddLers Tactile

2011-02-02T17:50:00.000-08:00

SENSORY TACTILE YARN SHAPES:

I made these "sensory tactile yard shapes" to add to our new Sensory Tray. The children can pick them up and feel them and turn them over and see how I put them together. They look like stars and snowflakes. I used cardboard and left over yarn. Cutting slits all around the edges, just wind the yarn where ever you like to make a beautiful shape. No wrong or right way, just any way makes a pretty tactile shape with pretty results.

Add these to your sensory tray or box.

ExPloRe and PlaCeMeNt TraY foR ToDDLerS

2011-01-29T19:07:00.000-08:00

ExPloRe and PlaCeMeNt TraY foR ToDDLerS:

I made an extra large one of my explore and placement trays for my toddlers and it was used a lot but I needed to scale it down. This set is made from a box and toilet paper rolls. Yes, I individually cut each hole out by hand and slid the roll inside and hot glued them together by adding hot glue around each roll. Then, I painted it blue since that is our color for this week. The explore tubes are medicine bottles recycled. I added little suprises in each tube like mini screw drivers, beans, space man, snakes, worms, things that make them go "wow" and investigate before putting each bottle inside a tube of "their choice." This helps with learning how to place an object, building attention spans, hands on sensory skills, building small muscle skills to mention just a few. This is "MY ORIGINAL IDEA" and it has helped many of the children, often chose from our shelf. They control where it goes and the ending is always different. Some of the bottles or tubes have stickers on them and it has helped them memorize what is in each bottle. They quickly pick the one with their favorite sticker on it to see first. Not all have stickers. Usually the stickers bottles or tubes are chosen first.

A great recycling activity. All items are recycled and bring new life to used items.

Thanks for visiting.

Stocking Pinching Activity

2011-01-28T23:09:00.000-08:00

Stocking Pinching Activity:

I found these stockings on clearance for .25 a piece and grabbed about 10 of them for our pinching box set. It worked out perfectly. I painted the box so it was a pretty blue. Children pinch on the stockings one at a time and turn the box to keep pinching on stockings.

Sure to be a favorite this week, It's on the shelf.

Health and Xray Investigation Montessori Tray with Magnifying glass

2011-01-27T05:46:00.000-08:00

Health and XRay Investigation Tray and Magnifying Glass:

I put all those school magazines to use and cut out a lot of the science pictures that would go with our health and xray theme. These turned out wonderful and I will introduce them this week. I attached them to brown cardboard that is thick and sturdy and put two layers of mod podge over them. Now to make a themed storage container for them. I made two sets. If you like this leave me a comment. Thanks for visiting my page.

LadyBug Alphabet print and sequence

2011-01-22T16:34:00.000-08:00

LadyBug Alphabet print and sequence:

I wanted to share my "LADYBUG ALPHABET" PRINT AND SEQUENCE SET FOR YOUR Montessori Trays. I hope the children enjoy them. You should be able to print and use. I print them, laminate them, cut them apart, attach to craft sticks for easier pick up and include a picture of the finished activity as a guide for the children's tray.

If you like my sharing leave me a comment. Have a great experience. These are copyrighted by My HomeMade Montessori Manipulatives. These are for personal sharing and not to be copied or included or reposted in any form. You can link to this page. Thanks!

Share: Thrift Store Find: ABALONE OR MOTHER PEARL?

2011-01-22T15:56:00.000-08:00

Share: Thrift Store Find: ABALONE OR MOTHER PEARL?

I found this at a thrift store and looked it up to see if it was abalone or mother of pearl. I really don't have any idea but will be a great add to our "new" exporation science box that we just added this past week. Adding a magnifying glass to this hands on trinket should prove to be really interesting to each child in our daycare center.

Introduced ROPE LIGHTS in my daycare center and SPD

2011-01-22T15:08:00.000-08:00

SPD or Sensory Processing disorder is VERY interesting to me. I have just introduced Rope Lights to the children. These were recommended upon many readings and research on SPD through the internet. A lot of the activities I provide in my activities are based around TACTILE INPUT. These lights proved to be a good addition that really attacted the children. I put this small quiet area together to see if it would interest the children and of course, it did. It is a great idea to expand on their visual stimulation. Im also building on "Auditory Soothing Sound Activities." The set I purchased for the rope lights is red from Lowes. Walmart carries another color. I believe I paid around 9.00 for this rope of lights. Well worth the cost. Learning about more sensory inputs has definetly proven to be so fun and exciting for the children as well as myself.

I found this page that stated that parents had painted their child's room bright primary colors and how they quickly found out that the colors were to over-stimulating. They soon painted the room light blue with clouds and added "Rope Lights" and...... that These lights are a fantastic, practical, long-lasting, relaxing, affordable addition! They are certainly one of the safest soothing light options out there. No dangers of hot bulbs, like you find with a black light. Her rope lights became a great way to spread even, calming light through out her room. They were even easy to put up; stretching them around the top of the four walls and "attaching" them by draping them over self-stick plastic hooks... voila! in a sensory room; for basic lighting, or for children to explore with their hands and eyes (for exploration use as many colors as possible!)
To see the whole article visit this link

http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/rope-lights.html

Our "NEW" Quiet Reading Area (second use for dresser)

2011-01-22T07:07:00.000-08:00

Our "NEW" Quiet Reading Area (second use for dresser): We just added a blanket and book.

I had this dresser in the garage for the past 20+ years. From being damp in there I knew I couldn't take it back in the house as it was. It was purchased for a "re-do" project. So, I pushed the dresser out to the end of the garage where I could see it everyday. I knew I wanted to do something with it but it never came to me for a long time and then this summer I walked to the garage, rolled it to the front of the daycare. I stood there and looked at it. I didn't want a dresser, I wanted something for the children to climb into, to have a quiet area to read in. So, I got a hammer and took all the insides of the dresser out and it left the shell. Putting all the access pieces of wood in the burn pile, I seen a few wasp nests that I removed with a screw driver and then, there it was, my new project.

As I took my new found treasure to the sidewalk, it was all scratched up from rolling it a long distance from the garage to the daycare, but to me, it was my found treasure. I started sanding it. Once done, I started painting it bright orange (left over paint from my sensory house). Yah, I know but the Lowes Lady had three choices, candy apple red, bright green or Halloween orange and she picked orange and mixed it up for me. It took two coats and drying. The paint I purchased from Lowes I think was Beir, no smell. One sharp paint. I will buy it everytime I need some. The lady even gave me a coupon at I think 20% off my purchase.

Then it was time to move it inside the daycare. I was so proud of my project! For now, it will stay like it is. The children use it for a climb up quiet reading center. It has become a popular choice at our daycare. Never say you can't do something, I am very satisfied with this "dressers new life." If you like my idea just leave ma a comment and let me know you were here.

Sharing~Noticing differences in bottles (sizes and shapes) shelf

2011-01-22T06:49:00.000-08:00

I made this several weeks ago and thought I would share it with on my blog. I had several jars saved, wire and this wooden box. Each bottles is kept in with small wire that is used to put picture frames on the wall. I make do with what I have for most projects and this turned out really good. Im adding this to our sensory area so the children can notice differences in bottles shapes and sizes. If you like my ideas leave me a message. Thanks for visiting my blog.

Feeding Birds from the window brings us RED CARDINALS OF BEAUTY

2011-01-22T06:38:00.000-08:00

Feeding Birds from the window brings us RED CARDINALS OF BEAUTY:

One of my children I care for gave me a bird feeder and I put it to good use and look at the results we get for our efforts. Beautiful red cardinals with no shortage of different birds to observe and watch. How beautiful!

COLOR PROGRESSION PINCHING WORK BOX (from free paint chips)

2011-01-22T06:15:00.000-08:00

COLOR PROGRESSION PINCHING WORK BOX (from free paint chips):

Im going to be quite honest with everyone on this activity. It took me 2 days to put this activity together.

It took so many steps to put it together that I want to share what I did to accomplish this project.

First: I had collected quite a few "free paint chips" from Walmart and Lowes. Everytime I went in the store, I quickly went and gathered several colors and was on my way. Usually, I purchase a small plastic container of some kind, to put them in while I am gathering them at the store, so they make a sale and I am getting a useful activity out of the whole process (in the works). So for 1.00 I got a storage bin and many paint chips.

Second: I had this activity in my thoughts for several weeks and I had to consider how big to make it, how many clothes pins I would use, how many paint chips I would use, what kind of set up would I attach it to to make it successful for the children. Which colors I would use because if they were to much alike, it would be a challenge for the children to sort out and I wanted them to be successful and not give up.

Third: How I would present this to the children and store it. So, I started working on sorting colors out, chips in piles of BLUE, RED, PINK, YELLOW, BROWN, GREEN. Then after that I discovered that I had 5 and 10 of each color (to make sure I had enough for projects). So I pulled out about 10 samples of each color and cut them down to a strip for the clothes pin and a strip for the container that I chose to match 2.

Fourth: Now I am ready to attach the paint chip strips to the clothes pins. When I put school glue on the clothes pin and attached the paint chip shape, the shape would slide down off of the clothes pin. So, I quickly shifted to a hot glue and glue sticks. Attached them and they stayed perfectly. Infact, once you put it on, you don't have much room to move it if its slanted, so you really have to get it right the first time.

Fifth: I wanted a sturdy structure because I wanted it to last. With the clothes pins pinching off and on and off and on, it may not take to long before the paint chips on the base would wear at the tips. So, I took this large box and went around the edges on the outside with cut down craft sticks, used hot glue to attach sideways working my way around the whole box from top to bottom. It took approx. 25 extra large craft sticks to complete this on the outside. Then I double lined it with thin cardboard and thick sturdy cardboard on the inside. Not to thick so the clothes pins would pinch on without having to open to large. The children can only pinch the clothes pin open so far.

Sixth: I then lined the inside with textured foam from the meat departments of the stores. I washed them and saved them. Since they had thick textures on some of the foam, I thought it would be good to add that extra sensory touch so when they reach in to take out a clothes pin to pinch, they would feel the texture on the foundation for added stimulation. I would hope they would notice and comment when this activity is chose and used. I also lined the insides half way up to keep the container soft but sturdy. I chose texture over beauty and function over beauty on the inside of this manipulative.

Seven: Finishing the clothes pins with the colors all glued on with hot glue, I went around the box base outside and attached with hot glue, the equal color chips in progression. In my thoughts they came out the way I would use them. I don't know if there is a certain way to place these in "Montessori Teachings" but this is how ours turned out and I just really like the color progression. Attaching all the base colors, I then, did a "mod podge" covering on the clothes pins and the color strips on the base. I added around 6 layers on the base each side and 1 layer to the clothes pins.

And this is my finished product.

My thoughts, I don't know if I would make a set this large again. It was a challenge for me and a challenge for a fourth grader to keep turning the box to find the right colors. I would probably put clothes pins and box out on one side at a time during my tray work times, to make it "not so frusterating" for a child. But, once they master it, It will be one of their favorites.

If you like this project let me know in a comment. I love sharing and being share with.

Share: From our Window part 2

2011-01-21T22:17:00.000-08:00

Share: From our Window part 2:

Share: Child used the bead transferring activity and was thrilled

2011-01-21T20:38:00.000-08:00

Share: Child used the bead transferring activity and was thrilled:

The bead tray that I made from recycling holiday candy gum was used today by 9 year old since school was cancelled due to snow in our area. She worked the activity tray and said that it was the funnest activity that I have made (and she checks out and works every one) on her own. So, I know watching her enjoy the spoon scooping that I am making activities that expand on their interests. Had to share this with you.................

GARDEN GRAPHING LEARNING MAT AND PROPS

2011-01-21T20:26:00.000-08:00

GARDEN GRAPHING LEARNING MAT AND PROPS:

Its not to soon to start thinking about spring time is it? I put this activity together working towards activities for our spring learning mats. I want to introduce the children to graphing objects and learning more placement and following directions. So, This is my start on those goals. If you like it leave me a comment and I will make more varieties and post them. Enjoy!

Free Sensory Balls at the base of them

2011-01-21T20:15:00.000-08:00

Free Sensory Balls at the base of them:

I was spending a lot of styrofoam balls to make our sensory orbs but I wrapped some newsaper into a ball and wrapped packing tape around them, covered one in denim and it worked perfect. No more lost money on styrofoam balls. Will make our own from now on...........................

Window Seal Learning

2011-01-21T19:59:00.000-08:00

Window Seal Learning:

I put a large bin full of these lightweight natural blocks out and a bin of animals and dinosaurs to see what would happen. And it wasn't 10 minutes and the children had built a fort for the animals and dinosaurs in the window seal. All the preschoolers encouraged and engaged the toddlers in their play as they studied them, they moved towards them and started playing WITH them. What an encouraging moment. This picture is so adorable and captured the engaged toddler in her play. How adorable huh? No missed opportunity here. I planned to expand on their interests and they took off with it.

Button Bottles: Leftover buttons for shakers

2011-01-21T19:49:00.000-08:00

Button Bottles: Leftover buttons for shakers:

This week we added to our sensory bottles by making "button bottles" out of recycled bottles and leftover buttons. The children like the bright primary colors. The result changes when the buttons land each time. I think I will add an eye spy object inside that they could concentrate on when we make more but these turned out so pretty and a good addition to our sensory window and shaking activity. We can use these during music time as well. If you like my ideas leave me a message.

Can you see what is in this picture?

2011-01-21T19:39:00.000-08:00

Can you see what is in this picture?

Recycling Towels for Trays (great sensory idea)

2011-01-21T19:06:00.000-08:00

Recycling Towels for Trays (great sensory idea):

I recycled an old towel over one of my trays and it worked perfect. Fit right into my jeans recycling activities. A great added benefit to a texture activity for us. If you like my idea leave me a message.

Cover it up Manipulative

2011-01-21T18:46:00.000-08:00

Cover it up Manipulative:

I made this manipulatives to build small muscle skills and recycle some more items in our environment. In this activity, I recycled a plastic cookie dish and lid from Christmas treats, a pop lid, jeans around the lid and I had some of these stickey circles on hand and left over. The stickey circles are stuck onto a piece of foam that was recycled from a small cake. I wanted the shapes to show up really well and this worked for my activity.

The children pick a color and try to move the lid left or right, up or down to cover up a complete circle in the color they have decided to cover up. The keep trying shaking the container a little at a time until they accomplish their goal and start over.

If you like my ideas leave me a message. Have a nice day!

OPEN and CLOSE work center (lids and jars)

2011-01-21T05:06:00.000-08:00

OPEN and CLOSE work center (lids and jars):

I made this out of a medium box, cut the bottles in half and cut holes in the box to fit each bottle in.

I had seen this idea put in styrofoam and I thought to myself, "Why not in a box?" Worked out perfect. Now the children can concentrate on putting the lids on each bottle and not holding the bottle and trying to get the lid on, making it harder sometimes, depending on their ages. I want to offer successful work and I feel I did in this activity. It is open ended where they can control which lid goes on first to last and feel so satisfied they did it themselves.

If you like my ideas leave me a comment or follow me.

SCIENCE and SENSORY EXPLORATION area for TODDLERS

2011-01-18T19:39:00.000-08:00

SCIENCE and SENSORY EXPLORATION area for TODDLERS:

This week I am introducing a TODDLER Science and Sensory Exploration Area for my Toddlers. They like the sensory activities so much that I decided to expand on their interests. I took a big box, hot glued my 1.50 a yard sensory material on all sides of it. Then, I made 4 smaller boxes to keep individual activities in and sorted so the children can learn to sort and put things back. I added bright materials to each small box inside and out and then re-inforced the strength on the inside with more cardboard panels or strips (depending on how strong the box was). The first box (daisies) has free tiles for siding samples in it hot glued back to back. I got these at Lowes in the siding sample isle. The second box (turtles) has free counter top tile samples in hot glue back to back. I put them on a double strand of yarn. They have different textures and colors when they are touched. The third box (60's flowers) has the same as the second one but different colors and textures. The fourth box (the colorful diamonds) has our sensory jewerly rounds in it made from our salt playdough recipe and hardened for texture feeling. Then I added an egg carton with rocks that have some defaults in them, hot glued them down so the children could feel the lines, circles and odd touches of them and also added a magnifying glass so they could see these imperfections as well. The whole exploration center cost me 1.00 for the magnifying glass and .50 for the rocks from Dollar General Store. A "new" science and sensory hands on area to add for a little cost.

Valentines Alphabet Pinching Set printable

2011-01-16T09:27:00.000-08:00

Valentines Alphabet Pinching Set printable for Tray Work:

I designed this activity to introduce my toddlers and preschoolers to ALPHABET RECOGNITION AND PINCHING WORK. I printed these off, laminated them, added the rounds to my trays and the alphabets to clothes pins with hot glue. Place the clothes pins with alphabets in a basket or holding tray so they can identify and pinch one letter at a time on to the rounds. Putting round one with the matching alphabet clothespins is easier for the child at first.

These are for sharing with teachers and parents. They are copyrighted by My HomeMade Montessori Manipulatives and not to be sold, distributed or included in any shape or form in collections for profit.

Feel free to link to my page to share them. Teachers and Parents print off, laminate and use as you would like with your children. You should be able to copy this image on your printer and print off what size you would like to save it in. If you have any questions leave me a comment. If you want me to send you this file, leave a comment and email address and I will, time permitting. Enjoy

SPIRAL TO SMOOTH BASKET WORK for trays

2011-01-16T08:53:00.000-08:00

SPIRAL TO SMOOTH BASKET WORK for trays:

I designed this activity to introduce my toddlers and preschoolers to TEACH SMOOTH TO SPIRAL WORK. I put all of them in a basket and child sorts into two different holding containers on their tray. I included labels for your baskets if you would like to use them.

Half To Whole 2 Piece PUZZLES printable

2011-01-16T08:34:00.000-08:00

HALF TO WHOLE 2 PIECE PUZZLES PRINTABLE:

I designed these color puzzles to introduce my toddlers and preschoolers to 2 piece puzzles on half to whole puzzles. I put all of them in a basket and placed them on a tray and child assembles their circles on their tray.

APPLE and TREES 1~20 COUNTING printable

2011-01-16T08:10:00.000-08:00

APPLE and TREES 1~20 COUNTING printable:

I designed these to teach my preschoolers 1.) to sequence from 1 to 20 AND to count applese to cards in the number that is requested on the tree in numbers.

These are for personal use. They are not to be given, sold, reposted or included in an collections for profit.

Feel free to link to my page if you want. If you want me to send these to you through an email, just leave a comment and email and time permitting I will do that for you. Enjoy these with your children.

You should be able to click on the picture and save and print from your printer at what size you want to use with your children in your home or classroom.

Alphabet Crowns to print and assemble

2011-01-16T07:38:00.000-08:00

Alphabet Crowns to print and assemble:

I designed these to start alphabet introduction. Print, Invite the children to color with light colored crayons, attach strips together and attach after fitting to their headband size. Let them wear them and keep them in their cubbies. Laminating them will help them last longer. They are proud to wear what they have made and recognized an alphabet letter and parents see which letter your working on that week.

These are for personal use. They are not to be given, sold, reposted or included in an collections for profit.

48 KEEPING ACTIVE CARDS for EXERCISE TIME

2011-01-16T07:02:00.000-08:00

48 KEEPING ACTIVE CARDS FOR EXERCISE TIME:

I designed these cards to keep active with the children in a fun learning way. Print off the cards, laminate them, attach them to craft sticks, put all cards in a basket and have each child come up and choose a card. When its their turn, everyone does what is on their card with music on in the back ground. I made some blank cards incase you want to add a few of your own.

These are for personal use. They are not to be given, sold, reposted or included in an collections for profit.

Feel free to link to my page if you want. If you want me to send these to you through an email, just leave a comment, time permitting I will do that for you. Enjoy these with your children.

Toddler SENSORY COINS DROP MANIPULATIVE (jeans recycle #10)

2011-01-15T08:21:00.000-08:00

Toddler SENSORY COINS DROP MANIPULATIVE (jeans recycle #10):

I had cardboard circles cut out left over so I covered them with soft and prickly material swatches that I had left over and made these SENSORY COIN ROUNDS. Then I took a Folgers plastic can and removable lid and covered it with jeans on top and bottom so no finger cuts. I added jeans seams around the edges for sensory touch. And it turned into the perfect manipulative for my TODDLERS. We have already introduced this manipulative this week and is already a favorite. Sometimes I have to SUPERSIZE my props and manipulatives for smaller hands for easier handling to make the activity successful for them and smoother for their learning process.

Do you like this idea? Let me know in a comment or follow me for more ideas.

Sticks=Jelly Sort~Straws=Spagetti Sorting Manipulative

2011-01-15T08:05:00.000-08:00

Sticks=Jelly Sort~Straws=Spagetti Sort Manipulative:

I had these containers left from using all the contents, so I washed them up, set them on the counter and this manipulative came from looking at them for about 24 hours. The Jelly lid fits the craft stick inside it sliding in through the hole and perfectly contains and holds several craft sticks. The other jar (both plastic) accepts straws on one side and opens to a half lid on other side so the staws drop right in and hold a lot in that container as well. I know this is an extremely thrifty activity but is extremely smart and usdeful on sorting. I contained all of the items by taking a box, measuring and drawing the shapes of them onto the cardboard, carefully cutting them out with a knife and making a box and inserting it inside the middle area. All items stay inside but the sticks and staws. Jars were hot glued around edges and felt was added to make it attractive and added texture to little hands. Just the right size for small hands to carry and manipulate. If you like my ideas let me know or follow me for more great ideas to use with toddlers and preschoolers in their learning process.

TODDLER WOOD BEADS SHAPE SORTING

2011-01-15T07:37:00.000-08:00

As I was wondering through the Dollar General Store, browsing through their clearance items from Christmas, I looked and looked to try to find things I could make to teach my TODDLERS and PRESCHOOLERS on their learning trays. Didn't find much and then I looked up and there they were, looking down at me, these bright wooden packs of RED AND GREEN WOODEN NAPKING RINGS. They started to tell me that they were up there and caught my eyes, I couldn't get them down fast enough. I seen four packs and grabbed them, put them in my cart and "feeling so lucky." Solid wood too!

So, I brought them home and unpacked them into a nice "sorting basket." I had 32 of these large wooden beads because I found the other four at the sister store in our town and got them as well. I kept looking at them this whole week and then I thought "paper towel holder." I wonder if they would fit on the end. And then this activity was born.

THE PERFECT SIZE FOR SMALL HANDS, this will be on the shelf this week. If you like my ideas leave me a comment or follow me for more great ideas. I got these for 1/4 the cost of 1.00 for every four pack so for 8.00 compared to 32.00 is a nice find.

Fabric Trays: How to make

2011-01-12T06:17:00.000-08:00

Fabric Trays: How to make: These were fairly easy to make. If you can wrap a present you can make these. I started with the bottom, attaching the black sensory material in the middle with hot glue and moving out on all four sides on the bottom and folding them and fitting and tucking, hot glue again and then I custom cut the eye stimulating material and applied hot glue under it as well. The dimensions fit perfectly into my metal storage bins and it contains everything.

If you have any questions just as in a message or follow me for more great ideas.

Sensory Containment Rounds for Hands Exploration: shake shake shake Jeans Project 9

2011-01-12T05:54:00.000-08:00

SENSORY CONTAINMENT ROUNDS FOR HANDS EXPLORATION:

Project 9 with Recycled Jeans

I made this spindle box to hold these sensory rounds, when the child is done exploring a round, then they are placed in the spindle until all rounds are explored. I recycled juice, milk and pop lids to make these adding the lid on the bottom, the side of a pop bottle cut to a circle on top, hot glued the edges, added denim around the edges and fun things inside like:

froot loops, sunflowers, oatmeal, denim, cranberry seeds, salt, sugar, fish, buttons, wooden sticks cut down,
and more. The ideas can be endless. These I am sharing on our trays today. See the next post to make this cute fabric storage tray. This activity fits right into my storage system. I will label and add to our trays today.

Do you like this idea? Very hands on and sensory huh? Leave me a message or follow me for more ideas.

Finger Transferring to hooks work

2011-01-12T05:18:00.000-08:00

Someone told me that you can get a hole in a can, but Im here to say, Oh yes I can. and the activity turned out so meaningful for learning and is going on our trays. Child opens the wood box, takes out a friendship tag one at a time and finger transfers each card to a hook until all are transferred, reverses the activity and repeats for skill building. Increases their interests, attention spans, small motor skills, eye finger coordination
and more. If you like my ideas let me know or follow me for more homemade manipulatives.

Julianna Montessori Books arrived in 3 days

2011-01-12T04:58:00.000-08:00

Julianna Montessori Books arrived in 3 days: I was encouraged to order these books and what quality items they have. If you want a copy the toll free number appears below.

4 SEASONS SORTING MANIPULATIVE

2011-01-11T05:54:00.000-08:00

4 SEASONS SORTING MANIPULATIVE:

I made this 4 Seasons Sorting Manipulative out of 4 exact matching boxes which fit perfectly together. With a hot glue gun, I attached them together. This can fit perfectly tight in the middle. I hot glued around the top of the can to prevent any finger cuts. I added cut out seasons pictures I found in a book and wooden tiles that related to each them to sort. They can store them all in the middle and sort them into their own sorting box, easily turning the box by holding and turning the can. Works perfectly. If you like my ideas let me know in a comment or foll me for more great manipulatives.

MY SPINDLE BOX homemade

2011-01-11T05:28:00.000-08:00

From

This is my homemade Spindle Box:

It was quite easy to make out of a cut down box and craft sticks cut down and hot glue gun and sticks. I used half straws and hot glue each end to use as our counting sticks. This will work perfectly for our little hands starting today as a shelf choice. I have stickers to attach in the box yet. I show how I made it below.

If you like my idea and want to comment feel free or follow me for more creative manipulatives.

.25 Frame Tags great for PHOTO MAGNETIC FACE CENTER

2011-01-11T05:10:00.000-08:00

.25 Frame Tags great for PHOTO MAGNETIC FACE CENTER:

I found these photo christmas tags for .25 a sheet regularly 1.00. What a find on clearance. I am going to add these to our magnetic center for face recognition. Dollar General, thanks!

Cinnamon Scented PineCones 1.00 for 19-23 count clearance

2011-01-11T04:53:00.000-08:00

Cinnamon Scented PineCones 1.00 for 19-23 count clearance

I lucked into these Cinnamon Scented PineCones reg 4.00 for just 1.00 for a count of 19 to 23. They smell so good. I grabbed 2 bags. Thinking about getting more but store closed early last night so couldn't. Might
try tonight. This was at Dollar General. The second store just has them for 50% off, so watching them. I am
added these to my sensory table area. What a great find for a very small investment.

Making a FREE PALLET into MUSCLE BUILDING CLIMB ON EQUIPMENT Toddlers

2011-01-08T09:15:00.000-08:00

A FREE PALLET into MUSCLE BUILDING CLIMB ON EQUIPMENT Toddlers:

When I won my last grant, the man brought me a toy on this huge pallet. I asked what he was going to do with the pallet. He left it for me. I was so excited. That was one of my beginnings to making my own activities lately, kick starting it again. Grants are nice but homemade making activities is so self gratifying. I made this out of that free pallet. I had it painted one color of red and the children didn't remember it was there so I textured it in two colors adding a bright orange and it solved the problem. This is a wonderful toddler climb up platform. I change it out to different areas. This week its in our tent with books. Just the best piece of equipment for no cost.

If you like my ideas leave me a comment or follow me. Do you like this activity, I sure do.

STICKERS OR NO STICKERS on my recycled homemade manipulatives? Experiment.....

2011-01-08T09:04:00.000-08:00

STICKERS OR NO STICKERS on my recycled homemade manipulatives? Experiment.....

I wanted to experiment with my infants, toddlers and preschoolers on this topic. I made this moveable toddler carpet tray activity to practice movement, learning to move left to right (first steps towards that), placing objects in a place, eye and hand coordination, atention spans, learning to put things in its place and many more thoughts when making thise activity.

I know that Maria Montessori worked on offering "the natural" without distractions but in a world where there are push button activities, I must blend what works for me in my daycare center and the children I care for. I placed these as they are up in the picture provided above and EVERY CHILD WENT FOR THE BOTTLES THAT HAVE THE STICKERS ON THEM. They chose the un-stickered bottles second. So, I will keep using stickers on my activities as I see needed because the children chose around their "interests."

If you like my ideas let me know or follow me for more activities.

TODDLER INTERACTIVE FLOWER SPINNER (recycled fan turn)

2011-01-08T08:50:00.000-08:00

TODDLER INTERACTIVE FLOWER SPINNER (recycled fan turn):

I wanted to share one of my SPRING FLOWER IDEAS coming up to welcome spring for the children.

I salvaged this (with help lol) from an old fan that quit. It was presented to me since I recycle a lot of items in my environment. I made "A TODDLER INTERACTIVE FLOWER SPINNING CENTER" out of it. Im thinking about where to put it inside or out but until then, I wanted to share my idea.

Children take turns spinning it, building small motor skills, eye and hand coordination, taking turns, color building, scientific thought process and much more in a fun creative way.

If you like my idea just leave me a comment or follow me for more. Do you like this idea?

ROCKS: Investigation Center

2011-01-08T08:41:00.000-08:00

ROCKS: Investigation Center:

I have been watching rocks at Walmart but their to expensive so I was wondering through the Dollar General and found these Decorative River Pebbles in the garden isle for 1.00. I got three boxes that are shown in the box. I purchased a magnifying glass that is large for 1.00. Several of the rocks have unique markings on them and I though it would be neat to set these up this next week to notice the differences in textures for a sensory activity. As with any small object, adult supervision is necessary. A lot of the rocks are good sized as well.

Not a bad deal for a total of 4.00.

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Playdough Valentines Jar Lid Match Ups (in Progress)

2011-01-08T08:31:00.000-08:00

Im working on this matching set of pink and red(soon) Valentines baby food jar lids and playdough sensory fossils we made the past few months. We got the pink out and they children helped me paint them. When I put it all together, I will show what the completed set looks like. Just incase anyone wants to prepare them for Valentines week like we are. We used salt playdough that we have posted on our fossil projects.

If you like my ideas let me know. Follow me for more sensory creative ideas. Have a nice day!

OUR TODDLER PERMANENCE OBJECT BOX for TODDLERS homemade (project 8 of recycled jeans)

2011-01-08T08:07:00.000-08:00

OUR TODDLER PERMANENCE OBJECT BOX for TODDLERS homemade
(project 8 of recycled jeans)

WHAT WAS I THINKING WHEN I MADE THIS? lol I was thinking "BUILD IT BIGGER" this time and that I did. The smaller permanence box on the right I made last week, well just because children have small hands doesn't mean their toys are small. Right? Well we had to make a permanence box that would accept very large toys, ones that toddlers carry. So, here is OUR NEW PERMANENCE BOX FOR TODDLERS sized hands and toys to fit into.

Researching on the internet, this box is one of four of Montessori Method boxes for infants and toddlers to teach permanence that things "continue through in life." Which will teach them in life that mom and dad or grandma and grandpa or aunt and uncle are coming back to get them later in the day. I made this from a very hard big box and denim jeans I am recycling. Denim is easy to hot glue and work with so that is why I chose that fabric. I used and extra large can for the top and cut a very large hand entrance in the front of the box.

The children love this activity. I may go bigger. If you like my dieas leave me a comment or follow me for more creative ideas.

TODDLER BRIGHT sensory TEXTURE STICKS

2011-01-08T07:16:00.000-08:00

TODDLER BRIGHT sensory TEXTURE STICKS:

I made these Toddler Bright Textures Sticks to use next week on our placemat and tray choices. I think the children will like them a lot. I made two of each texture stick and they pull from the wooden box and place them in twos until all work is done. Then they put them back in the wooden tray box, fold up the placemat and put it on top the wooden box and return the activity back to the shelf.

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Dirt or Soil Bottles for SENSORY AND OUR DRAMATIC PLAY

2011-01-08T06:57:00.000-08:00

Dirt or Soil Bottles for SENSORY AND OUR DRAMATIC PLAY:

We had extra pop bottles around (lol) so we took a few out to the playyard and dug up some soil or dirt as the children say. Filled them about 3/4s full and hot glued the lid on. This is carried around and played with as pouring drinks, shaking to see what happens, making imagination drinks to ice cream. How much earthy could we get? lol

If you like my ideas let me know in a comment. Im glad you stopped by, tell me about yourself. Feel free to follow me. Did you like this activity? Smaller bottles can be used and bugs added to them.

Picture Frames Manipulative String Art

2011-01-08T06:52:00.000-08:00

Picture Frames Manipulative String Art:

I got a bunch of picture frames on clearance for 1.00. I took the glass out and the cardboard out. I wanted to have the children do a sensory experience this week with open ended results. So, I cut slits all around the cardboard and gave them a crochet yard and they each made one of these unique picture frames to put up on the wall. I will send them home after we admire them for a few weeks.

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BOX PULL WORK (original idea from me) build small motor skills fun way

2011-01-08T06:41:00.000-08:00

BOX PULL WORK (original idea from me) build small motor skills fun way:

I made this activity from a small box, cut holes in each end, hot glued the round metal pieces on, pulled the denim seams through, stuffed the box with old magazine pages, glued it shut, painted it, added the rounds and glue sticks cut down to each end so when the children pull on them, they don't come through and then can pull it back through again, rotating each side. One jeans seam I cut real fine and comes through pretty easy but the other seam I left some more jean fabric on and requres them to pull a little bit harder. The children seem to like the texture and feel of the glue sticks so I cut them down to one containment end. But, anything you wish can be used. Just one unique and fun learning challenge. It is chosen quite a bit to.

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Gem Sorting Tray Work (Lakeshore School Supply clearance my find)

2011-01-08T06:27:00.000-08:00

Gem Sorting Tray Work (Lakeshore School Supply clearance my find)

I got this tray on clearance at Lake Shore School Supplies a while back and I kept looking at it, wondering what it could be. Its very strong hard plastic. I was looking though a Oriental Trading School Supply Catalog and came across these gems of flowers and butterflies to make some sensory activities out of. I combined the two and it was a perfect fit. And it stores itself flat and they children love the sensory experience of feeling the different raised gems and the different kinds which they can pattern as they wish 2.

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Share: 25 cent Music Shakers (great find) for MUSIC CLASS

2011-01-08T06:14:00.000-08:00

Share: 25 cent Music Shakers (great find) for MUSIC CLASS

I was walking through Dollar General looking for Christmas Clearance items to use in my Montessori Inspired Activities and I think "out of the box" and wander to the PET ISLE, where I usually find the best objects for my sensory house and activities. I looked up and there they were, for a dollar, these adorable cat balls and shakers. I got 2 round ones with bells in them and 2 pink and green ones with big bells in them that are unique in sound. I got 4 pieces for 1.00 and bought both sets I found. We used them as seperates and then I hot glued them together to make a unique "shaker stick" in which the children loved sharing and shaking. (lol) They store easy as seperates and as sticks. What a find. I always look in the pet and bird supplies to find things for my sensory houses. Theres no limit on being creative......................

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MONTESSORI: To START A SCHOOL by Margaret Skutch and Wilfrid G. Hamlin

2011-01-07T19:20:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share a good book that I am reading and have read over and over again. It is called "To Start a School" by Margaret Skutch and Wilfrid G. Hamlin, copyrighted 1971. Its 147 pages and it is pocket book size. On the front cover is a teacher hugging a child.

Margaret Skutch starts a school of her own, it is an independent school called The Early Learning Center of Stamford, Connecticut which is devoted not only to learning but the awareness of how beautiful it is to learn.

Her book is based on the turn of the century genius and social reformer Maria Montessori. She believes at her school she knows children as individuals wonderfully different from each other.

This book is wonderful if you ever get a copy of it, well worth the reading.

I found Mrs. Skutch via her son many years back and talked to her briefly on the telephone. At the time she had company. I never re-connected with her but she will always be an inspiration to me accepting children as they are, themselves.

SHARE: WIND SOCKS WITH TODDLERS

2011-01-07T06:20:00.000-08:00

MY toddlers seem to like the wind socks that we put up at the daycare. This picture speaks for itself.