Light Tables

Our classroom light table is a beloved activity due to the variety of objects and even subject matter I offer the children. Collecting objects like lace doilies, clear swizzle sticks, glass gems, and any other objects that will allow light to pass through is the key to success. I see it as a dynamic extension to our loose parts curriculum that teaches art design which is dominant in my blog posts here. This is intriguing for a person of any age to do as many of my original works are.

An extension to our fall study is brilliant with a simple addition of a cut paper tree.

The greatness of free-form design is that a child of very young age can succeed at making a thing of beauty.

These are slices of geode and other clear polished stones.

This shows the elements of art using repetition,shape and direction.

A house filled with gingerbread men with the stars and moons over head.

The gasps of wonder come when the light is turned on!

To make such a delightful art piece is a deep pleasure and gives a sense of contentment for the maker.

A light table in any classroom is awe inspiring!

Dish Washing

Want your child to be busy for hours?  Do this.

Many kids, many years of doing this has proven that to me.

Dishes don't have to be dirty.

Expect water on the floor and wet socks. 

It is well worth it.

Scrubbing Socks

Revisiting history. 

Those cute scrub boards have a purpose. 

Our great, great grandmothers used them. Better than a rock. 

Socks are being hung on a quilt display rack. 

Hardest part is wringing them out with their tiny hands. 

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!