Montessori Basics 5: Essentials of a 3-6 Classroom
Welcome to the next installment of the Montessori Basics series! According to my visitor tracking program, the first four posts in this series have been extremely popular. I actually did a variation on this post a few months ago, but I've updated and expanded it for this series.
Many times people ask me what the very basic items are that are necessary for a 3-6 classroom. This can be a parent who is looking to homeschool with Montessori, or a teacher or director who is opening a new classroom. This list is flexible, and should be modified to fit the specific needs of a home or school. It's just a starting point, and materials can always be added as needed.
Many of these items can be made or purchased inexpensively; see Montessori Basics 3: Ultimate Guide to Online Resources for stores and vendors, and helpful websites.
So, here are the very basics of a 3-6 classroom setup:
Essential General Equipment:
1. Child-sized table and chair
2. Rug (flat, off-white) and table mat (cloth placemat)
3. Pencils and paper
4. Plants, animals (pets) and artwork
5. Age-appropriate books of all kinds
Essentials for Practical Life:
1. Pouring, spooning, tweezing, and tonging work
2. Cleaning equipment (child-sized broom, sponge, scrub brush, etc.)
Essentials for Sensorial:
1. Pink Tower
2. Red Rods
4. Color Tablets - Box 1
Essentials for Math:
1. Spindle Boxes
2. Sandpaper Numerals
3. Cards & Counters
4. Golden Bead Set
Essentials for Language:
1. Matching Cards
2. Sandpaper Letters
3. Movable Alphabet Set
Essentials for Cultural:
1. Globe and world map puzzle
2. Nomenclature Cards (plants, animals)
3. Land and Water Forms (cards, clay, and water)
Essentials for Art and Music:
1. Musical instruments (rhythm instruments)
2. Art supplies including paint, scissors, glue, crayons, etc.
Essential Teacher Tools:
1. Comprehensive List for 3-6
2. Montessori Play & Learn by Lesley Britton
3. Shu-Chen Jenny-Yen's Online 3-6 Albums
4. MTC Online 3-6 Albums
Many thanks to Hanya, of My Montessori House, for the original list of 3-6 essentials.
Many times people ask me what the very basic items are that are necessary for a 3-6 classroom. This can be a parent who is looking to homeschool with Montessori, or a teacher or director who is opening a new classroom. This list is flexible, and should be modified to fit the specific needs of a home or school. It's just a starting point, and materials can always be added as needed.
Many of these items can be made or purchased inexpensively; see Montessori Basics 3: Ultimate Guide to Online Resources for stores and vendors, and helpful websites.
So, here are the very basics of a 3-6 classroom setup:
Essential General Equipment:
1. Child-sized table and chair
2. Rug (flat, off-white) and table mat (cloth placemat)
3. Pencils and paper
4. Plants, animals (pets) and artwork
5. Age-appropriate books of all kinds
Essentials for Practical Life:
1. Pouring, spooning, tweezing, and tonging work
2. Cleaning equipment (child-sized broom, sponge, scrub brush, etc.)
Essentials for Sensorial:
1. Pink Tower
2. Red Rods
4. Color Tablets - Box 1
Essentials for Math:
1. Spindle Boxes
2. Sandpaper Numerals
3. Cards & Counters
4. Golden Bead Set
Essentials for Language:
1. Matching Cards
2. Sandpaper Letters
3. Movable Alphabet Set
Essentials for Cultural:
1. Globe and world map puzzle
2. Nomenclature Cards (plants, animals)
3. Land and Water Forms (cards, clay, and water)
Essentials for Art and Music:
1. Musical instruments (rhythm instruments)
2. Art supplies including paint, scissors, glue, crayons, etc.
Essential Teacher Tools:
1. Comprehensive List for 3-6
2. Montessori Play & Learn by Lesley Britton
3. Shu-Chen Jenny-Yen's Online 3-6 Albums
4. MTC Online 3-6 Albums
Many thanks to Hanya, of My Montessori House, for the original list of 3-6 essentials.
Comments:
I have referred to this post several times as I've worked on developing homeschool preschool for my 4 year old. I appreciate the basics aspect - it's easier to find comprehensive lists than basics lists and Montessori is overwhelming when you're getting starting, so many great things to do!
So glad it's been helpful for you! That's what I was hoping for when I launched the Montessori Basics series. Thanks for your comment!
Post a Comment
<< Home