Back
to Montessori School
Going back to school is always an exciting time for teachers,
moms and children. With all the excitement
how do teachers plan for phasing in the Montessori curriculum? This year was especially challenging for me
because we have the most new students we have ever had. We only have 4 2nd year students
and no elders (Kindergarteners) so the remaining students are all brand new to
the Montessori Method. When I am
starting out the year my practical life shelves are empty with nothing but
trays on them. This year I am trying a
new method of color coding trays and shelves to help with classroom management. Carrying the trays, walking the line while
carrying the tray and returning the empty tray to the correct shelf has all
been a part of my phasing in process this year.
My math shelves start out with
basic Montessori materials, sorting, counting and shapes. Right now we have our back to school sensory box out as well.
Our science shelves are empty with the
exception of a nature tray for exploring.
Our line activities begin during circle time and then we extend the line
to the bathroom and eventually the main flow of the classroom has a line. While planning walk the line activities I
always make sure to incorporate the theme, fun songs and activities to go along
with it. The children do not know that
while we are singing fun songs and doing different arm movements or sounds that
they are mastering walking the line in the process. Dr. Jean www.drjean.org
and http://www.jackhartmann.com/ are two great artists that I use for line songs.
It is
incredible how valuable these simple phasing in activities are. Usually around week 4 you can walk into the
classroom and see the children working on mats, walking on lines, carefully
carrying trays with glass pitchers and bowls on them, and using grace and
courteousy with their friends and teachers.
I do not think the Montessori Method can work without proper time for
phasing in. Let me know how you phase in
your curriculum or classroom management for back to school. I would love to hear your thoughts and
feedback.
