Hands On Learning

Hands On Learning

Materials Handmade with Care

Imagine, as a young student, coming into a classroom that feels like it is prepared especially for you. There are beautiful materials on low shelves that are interesting and inviting. Imagine finding materials that are handmade, just for you with care and attention to every detail. That’s what we are blessed with in our lower elementary classroom.

An important part of any Montessori-inspired classroom, is that the children work with their hands and learn through their senses. Thanks to our very talented teacher, Mrs. Janet Adams, many of our materials are lovingly crafted. They are AMAZING. Truly works of art. This year, she has added many new works created with felt and beads.

COLOR WHEEL
LEARNING TO COUNT WITH FISH

The work pictured above looks so beautiful on the shelf, and the kids love it. These fish make learning about numbers and counting fun!

EACH FISH IS GIVEN THE CORRECT NUMBER OF BUBBLES (GLASS PEBBLES).
1, 2, 3 BUBBLES

These materials are not only attractive and fun, they make the children feel special and important. Knowing that someone took the time to make these fish, planets and volcanoes with love makes the children feel valued.

LIFT THE OUTSIDE LAYER TO REVEAL…
  • INSIDE A VOLCANO
  • LABEL THE PARTS

When studying space, our student roll out the solar system mat and place the planets on their orbits. Each orbit is hand stitched, and each planet is detailed with different colors of felt.

THE FELTED, THREE-DIMENSIONAL PLANETS ARE BEAUTIFUL.
CHECK OUT THE BEADED ASTEROID BELT. STUNNING!

Sure, the students could learn about science, math, geography and language through text books or worksheets, but working with these materials is an experience. The works themselves are fairly large, to large for a desk, and are completed on the floor. Different textures are created with various fabrics, stitching and beads. They truly are meant to be enjoyed.

ZONES OF THE OCEAN

Note the stitched ocean waves and the way that the background paper for each zone matches the felt for that zone. This care and attention to detail is mirrored in the work that the children do in the classroom. Mrs. Janet is leading by example. She takes pride in her work, does work because it is interesting and enjoyable, demonstrates concentration, and kindly shares her knowledge and talents. This is what we strive to instill in our students.