Inscribed and Concentric Figures

That's the fancy Nienhaus name for this material. 

We call it the shape design box. You can tell from the number of photos here that I love this work.

It is a box stacked in three levels with three colors and three shapes - circles, squares and triangles.

The squares match perfectly to the pink tower so they go from big to quite tiny. 

They can be put in order like the pink tower.

But the design possibilities is what attracts the kids. 

Glass or wooden gems add a flair and finishing touch.

Frogs came to visit it one day. Why not.

It is a work they contemplate and have pride in.

Oh, my!

Here is where you could perfectly match the pink tower to these.

This girl started me on my love of loose pieces/transient art/Reggio-like design work that is posted on this blog.

I spent years in my artist studio and this child approached her work exactly as I did. Taking ones time, experimentation in placement, self-correction and then stand back and observe the creation. 

It was awesome to watch her. Mixed materials? You bet!!

A truly creative material for any classroom.

How to host a whiz-bang water fun day!

Summer. 

We wait for it all year. 

The time for all children to run free and play 

and splash and giggle. 

Dundee Montesssori has a very long driveway and it is the perfect place to construct an environment for the dreams 

of children at play on a hot summer day. 

The key is different water stations to rotate through. 

Even though this station got a bit fixed up by the children 

it is all good.

 I found this huge funnel tube and it is a winner 

for cooperative play.

Fishing is a must.

Different sized funnels and bottles is a classic.

Water wheels hit the spot.

A sieve and net tub is a pleasure.

Boating is a go.

Water blast away!

 This standing water activity center works well.

Any type of water slide is a capital idea.

Bubbles are a must.

A water balloon station brings them running.

Slip 'N Slide belly crawl is a hit.

Freeze strange things and add shaving cream and shovels!

Every party needs a lemonade sidewalk cafe!

Balls down the pipes creates a stir!

Miniature golf is the go-to add-on! 

Train-is-a-coming!

You gotta have trucks!

Wait! Is someone inside that tower?

Put it all together and you have done a first-rate job of creating a water wonderland for your young students!

This is what summer is all about!

Antique Tray Practical Life

Hand painted antique trays hold four of our 

many small motor skill works.