Suggested Activities:
- Sink or Float
- Basin/tub or bowl and objects found around the house and in nature (i.e. pencil, string, cork, key, magnet, bath toy, acorn, leaf, stick, rock, seashell, flower or pedal)
- Extension- make a chart with three columns: list the items with pictures, a smiling face and a frowning face. Child notes if something sinks or floats with the faces
- Basin/tub or bowl and objects found around the house and in nature (i.e. pencil, string, cork, key, magnet, bath toy, acorn, leaf, stick, rock, seashell, flower or pedal)
- Dish Washing
- Washing dishes satisfies the child’s need to work in water and integrates their intellect, will, and movement
- Beginning, middle, and end to our work. There is a sequence and we want to guide our children to completing the steps and age dictates how long they will concetrate. When you loose their concentration, encourage them to return and/or model how to complete the steps
- Beginning: bib/apron on, squirt soap on sponge, turn water on (light stream or tub of water sits in sink and leave water off)
- Middle: washing, rinsing, and place dishes on towel or dish rack
- End: dry off counter, wet bib/apron placed in laundry basket
- Ask your child, “Do you want to dry the dishes or (new activity)…”
- Filling the Dishwasher and Emptying the Dishwasher
- This work teaches sorting and also integrates their intellect, will, and movement
- Psychologically all this work teaches your child they are an important person and a valuable member of their family and school community. This forms an “I can do it!” attitude that will last through adulthood
The Montessori School of Essex 