Creating a Montessori Inspired Learning environment for Elementary School Age Children Without Spending a Fortune

Although I enjoy the concept of Montessori and kids learning through play based activity, there is no doubt its an expensive way to teach if you are to use the official items. Fortunately with the help of Pinterest and a little imagination, a Montessori inspired learning environment can be created on a shoe string. Please see a few of our 'games' below that I created for my elementary age daughter:



Picture match Up - Horizontal, Vertical, Oblique:

Paper
Printer
Pen
Envelope

Cut out pictures that represent horizontal, vertical, oblique. Write a heading on a blank sheet of paper.

Object to place the pictures under the correct heading






Atonym, Homophone and Synonym Sort

Paper
Pen
Printer
Envelope

You can find these word groups to print free online. Print each category and place in envelope ready for use.

Object to match words based on category to develop vocabulary and understand how words relate to one another.





Fraction set:

Construction paper in various colors
Pen
Envelope

Cut one color to form your "whole' (write 'whole' on one side and the divide sign on the other side) , then cut the next different colored sheet of the same size in half to form halves (write 1/2 on each half), Next cut another different colored sheet in half and then each half in half again to form quarters (write 1/4 on each piece of paper), Next create eigths and then sixteenths in the same manner as seen in the picture.    

Object for the child to understand how each fraction relates to the whole, also to understand division of a whole.









Famous Artist Sort:

Paper
Printer
Envelope

In this example we had studied Van Gough and Edgar Degas. I printed off various paintings, quotes and facts about each artist and their painting style

Object for the child to think about painting styles and identify artists works, understand the artist and learn basic information about them





Telling Time:




Paper
Printer
colored markers
envelope
popsicle sticks

Print a blank clock face
Write the numbers 1 through 12 in one color on squares of paper. Write 13 through 24 in another color on squares of paper. then write 5 minute segments (5,10,15,20 etc.) up to 60 in another color on squares of paper. Place 5 dots on each popsicle stick.

To use this explain that the earth travels around the sun and it takes 24 hours to do so (use visual props such as two balls) and that 24 hours is one full day.
Next explain that a clock is used to measure the number of hours in the days... ask them to place the numbers 1 through 12 on the clock in the correct places.
Explain that a clock has to go around twice to complete a full day or 24 hours. Get the child to place the numbers 13 through 24 on top of the first set of numbers.
Next tell them that the small hand on a clock (you can use popsicle sticks or draw on the hands) shows the hour of the day and the long hand shows the minute. In every hour the long hand goes around the clock one time. Have them place the number segments 5 through 60 on the clock to show that each time the long hand reaches a number, 5 minutes passes. Have them count 5 up in 5's to 60. Finally use the popsicle sticks to lay between numbers to show minutes. Have them count the dots between.




Famous People in History Fact Match:




Paper
Printer

I found these printable cards at http://researchparent.com/20-historical-figures-worth-knowing/
Print out and cut into sections

The object is to learn about and begin to recognize famous historical figures.







Story Sticks:

Colored markers
Popsicle sticks

Write any number of words on popsicle sticks. We have divided ours into verbs, nouns and what we call 'wow' words. The child chooses 3-4 sticks in a variety of colors and then must tell or write a story using the words chosen.

The object is to inspire creative writing, story telling and increase vocabulary.

As you can see I have created a large number of sorting games. This IS NOT all we do that is inspired by Montessori principles but it is where I have started as so many things can be 'sorted' and the process encourages the child to think about what they are doing, apply logic, it encourages observation and overall breaks otherwise more difficult tasks down into simple steps.

The total cost for the above activities was approximately $3, this includes the ink, paper and popsicle sticks used.

Creating a Montessori Inspired Environment for PRE K at Home Without Spending a Fortune

Up until recently for my three year old homeschool has meant nothing more than listening to stories, completing puzzles, singing songs and generally enjoying being a three year old. As it should be! However he has shown an increased interest in the activities my eight year old completes at the table and Ive decided its time to introduce more formal learning. Having read A LOT over the last year about various styles of education I decided that for my son a nature school and Montessori approach would be best. I don't have a big budget to spend on toys so instead over the last week I have been getting creative with anything I could find in the cupboards and a few items from the dollar store.



Learning numbers and counting practice:

Paper plate
Stickers
Clothes pegs
Marker

As seen I have divided the plate into 10 sections. Each section has a number of stars from 1-10 and the number of stars written below. Each clothes peg has a number from 1-10 written on it.
The object of this game is to count the stars and place the correct peg in the correct section.





Learning letters and writing practice:

Plastic Tub
Card
Marker
Thin Layer of salt or sand

Write the letters of the alphabet on card a-z
place a very thin layer of sand or salt in the tub (if it is thick it will not work).
The object of the game is to copy the letter with their finger.






Learning colors and numbers:

Egg carton
Buttons or wool balls
Construction paper
Marker
glue

Glue colored paper into sections of the egg box at the top. At the bottom glue paper with numbers. The objecof this game is to sort the buttons into color groups or place the right number of buttons in the numbered slots.





Learning letters and word formation:

Duplo or Mega blocks
Marker

Write words on the long sections of blocks. Write the corresponding letters on individual blocks.
The object of the game is to match the letters forming words.








Learning and recognizing animals:

Paper
Printer
Marker
Various animals (sets dont have to match)

Print out pictures of the animals you have. Place the figures in a tray or bowl.
The object of this game is to match the correct animal toy up with the correct picture. This can be used with bugs and birds and fish.






Color Matching:


Thick Card
Markers
Cars of various colors

Create different colored start boxes. Draw the race track and the finish line.

Object of the game to match colors and have fun racing.







Puzzle  Logic Stones:

Rocks from the dollar store (or anywhere)
White out or paint pen

Draw a variety of lines on both sides of the stones. Choose approximately five that have an end. I have used a star to end the line.

The object of the game is to match up the lines and all open lines to have an 'end'. There are endless possibilities for how this can be done but it will take logic to make sure they all have an 'end'.
                           




Storage:

Storage containers

Montessori toys generally are in individual containers so that the children can choose the task they want to complete. They can work on it independently in their tray and then put it back at the end.
These containers came from the dollar store and are the perfect size for the tasks.









The total cost for the above activities came to around $6 - I had to buy the tubs ($3), the stones ($1) but everything else was already laying around the house. I have added $2 simply to account for the small amount of glue, ink and paper, stickers and pegs I used in creating these games.

Artists of the world - Leonardo da Vinci - Part 1 - The Artist - Level 1 study

Leonardo da Vinci - Part 1: The Artist - for children

Leonardo Da Vinci is considered one of the most influential artists of all time. He was not just an artist though, he was also known for his study of science, philosophy, math and his many inventions which included machines for war and flying machines. 
Leonardo was talented at many things including singing and playing the Lyre which is a classical string instrument. Due to being good at many activities he was considered a ‘Renaissance man’ or ‘a man of many talents’. 
He did have natural ability but also spent a great deal of time studying the things that interested him including music, nature, art, machines and the human body. It was through his natural talent and dedication to learning he became an expert in so many areas. What are your talents or what would you like to be an expert at? and how can you work to improve your skill?

Leonardo da Vinci does not have a last name. Translated to English his name means Leonardo ‘of ‘ Vinci… Vinci being the Italian town he grew up in. In those days people were often know by their first name with their last name referring to where they were from. If you lived in his time what would your name be? I would be Janet da Derby!

Leonardo was born on the 15th of April, 1452. His mother was a peasant maid named Caterina. She was not married to Leonardo's father Sir Piero but did marry a labour when Leonardo was 5. At this time Leonardo went to live with his father, grandparents and stepmother.

When Leonardo was roughly 14 (exact dates are not known) , his father who had noted his son’s artistic talents, sent him to Florence, where he became apprentice to the renowned master Andrea del Verrocchio who trained him in many mediums including painting, sculpting, leather work and carpentry. He spent 17 years as an apprentice.

ACTIVITY:

Artists usually had to create their own paint, they would use minerals, plants coal and soft stones for the color. Leonardo usually used home made oil paints but later in his career used ‘egg tempera’ which consisted of ground plant or mineral for color mixed with egg white. Follow the link below and make your own egg based paint like Leonardo would!

http://www.stormthecastle.com/how-to-make-a/how-to-make-medieval-paint-egg-tempura.htm

For best results use cardboard or thick card to paint on as egg tempura can crack.

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Leonardo da Vinci was considered one of the greatest painters of his time despite the fact he often did not complete his works because he lost interest. 

One of his most famous unfinished works is ‘The Adoration of the Magi’ commissioned for the church at San Donato a Scopeto, started in 1481 and left incomplete. Like many of his incomplete works, this is still considered a masterpiece.

                                             
                                                                                                       http://www.artsheaven.com/art-interrupted-the-5-most-famous-unfinished-paintings.html

Some of his most famous completed works took him years to finish as he could often be found staring at a picture for hours without once lifting his brush. His most famous completed works of art include the Vitruvian Man, The Mona Lisa and the Last Supper.

ACTIVITIES

1. Color the last supper picture below (from supercolouring.com)- Click the link under the picture to color online or print.

                                                                                          

                                                                        The last supper http://www.supercoloring.com/coloring-pages/the-last-supper-by-leonardo-da-vinci

2) The last supper was painted on 'fresco'… or on 'fresh plaster' in 1498 using tempura paint and shows the last meal that Jesus shared with his deciples before his crucifixion. 
Leonardo took so long to complete this work that the Prior who had commissioned the work to be done became frustrated with Leonardo and told him he must hurry! Leonardo responded by threatening to use the Priors face for the depiction of Judus (the traitor who turned Jesus in to the authorities). 

Follow the link below to see how you can create your own painting on fresco the renaissance way! The artist in this video has a plaster covered canvass, but you can use cardboard or even fill a paper plate with plaster. Use plaster of Paris for this project following the instructions on the package.

http://www.jerrysartarama.com/free-art-instruction-videos/how-to-make-a-fresco-georges-lechevallier

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Leonardo da Vinci’s most famous work of art is also considered the most famous work of art in the world today… The Mona Lisa! He began this painting in 1508. It is believed to be a portrait of Lisa di Gherardini. 

                                                                  

                                                                             http://www.pbs.org/treasuresoftheworld/a_nav/mona_nav/main_monafrm.html


FACTS about the Mona Lisa:

1. Despite the fact the Mona Lisa is often portrayed in movies and books as a large painting, it is actually only 30” x 21”

1. Although the Mona Lisa appears to have no eyebrows or lashes and some believe this is due to the fashion of the time, scans taken in 2007 using detailed digital camera, show she did have eyebrows and eyelashes, both have faded or have been incorrectly restored over time.

1. In 1911 the Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre art gallery in Paris France, in which it hung. People were so devastated they left flowers. The painting was found again in 1913 when the thief Vincenzo Pergugia, a former employee at the Louvre, handed it in for examination in Florence, Italy which he believed was its true home. It did hang in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence for awhile before it was returned to the Lourve. It now sits in its own room behind bullet proof glass.

Although he had many successes, like all great people, Leonardo also had disappointments and failures.

In 1508 he was commissioned to paint a mural in the Plazzo Vicchoi (old palace). He painted a mural of the Battle of Anghiari. Murals were usually painted on fresco, using wet plaster. Artists had to work quickly before the plaster dried and could not retouch the painting once the plaster was dry. They had to get it right first time. They also had limited colors they could use as plaster dulled and faded many colors as it dried.

Leonardo didn’t want these restrictions and experimented with a new technique for mural painting. He used oil paints (which usually would not stick to the wall) and mixed them with a waxy substance. This mix went on well but did not dry quick enough to prevent all drips. He decided to combat this by bringing in charcoal stoves hoping it would dry the paint quickly. Instead though it began to melt the wax causing further damage. Leonardo was so upset he abandoned the work completely. However, it still was considered a great piece of art and many renaissance artists believed it was actually his finest work. Unfortunately in 1563 the hall it was painted in was remodeled and his painting covered over with a new battle scene. As there were no cameras or video recorders in those days all that now remains is copies made by other artists. How do you deal with disappointment? Can you list some good ways to handle situations where you are not happy with the result?

                                                        

                                                                                                                          http://www.leonardodavinci.net/the-battle-of-anghiari.jsp

Despite being one of the most influential artists of his time, Da Vinci left less than 30 works of art behind. Some not complete and some which people do not agree were actually his. Leonardo da Vinci did not sign his work and often worked with other artists making his pieces sometimes hard to identify.

His disputed works of art include 'Bacchus'. Some people believe this is his work, others feel it is a copy and that the background is not typical of his style. Deterioration of the painting makes it even harder to identify.

Another work of art that is disputed is his portrait of a man in red chalk. While it is agreed this IS his drawing not everyone believes it is a self portrait. One reason is that Leonardo was thought to have completed this picture before he was 60 years of age and this picture shows a much older man. Those who do not think this is Leonardo da Vinci believe it might be his father or uncle. What do you think?

                                                                    

                                                                     https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_works_by_Leonardo_da_Vinci


Da Vinci died at Cloux (now Clos-Lucé) in 1519 at age 67. He was buried in the church of Saint-Florentin. However the church was completely demolished in the early 1800s, making it impossible to identify da Vinci’s grave.

ACTIVITY

Watch the following animated heroes classic following the below link to engage with Leonardo’s life, talent and struggles on a visual level.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xpmg9b-5B84

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I hope you enjoyed my complete introduction to Leonardo da Vinci  - ‘The Artist’ for children

please feel free to use this material for personal home use, but do not copy or reproduce for profit or to use as anyone else work.

Please look out for module 2 - ‘The Inventor and Scientist’

References:

Goldscheider L, (1964), Leonado Da Vinci,  London, Phaidon Press, p. 10 - 23

Puck K, (2015), 14 Things You Didn’t Know About The Mona Lisa, Available at: http://mentalfloss.com/article/62280/14-things-you-didnt-know-about-mona-lisa, [Accessed January 5th 2017]

Martindale, Andrew (1972). The Rise of the Artist.

(2016) The Lost Leonardo Available at http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2016/01/the-lost-leonardo/ [Accessed January 7th 2017]

Cavendish R, (2011), The Mona Lisa is Stolen From The Louvre, History Today, Available at: http://www.historytoday.com/richard-cavendish/mona-lisa-stolen-louvre [Accessed January 7th 2017]

Boddy-Evans M, (2016) 10 Facts about Leonardo da Vinci, Available at: http://painting.about.com/od/famouspainters/a/LeonardoTrivia.htm [Accessed January 8th 2017]

(2011) Bacchus by Leonardo da Vinci, Available at: http://www.leonardodavinci.net/bacchus.jsp [Accessed January 9th 2017]

(2004) Self Portrait Leonardo da Vinci, Available at: http://www.abc-people.com/data/leonardo_da_vinci/self-portrait.htm [Accessed January 9th 2017]