Montessori Monday

This is the spindle box. It's an easy way to introduce the concept of zero to children. All it is is a bunch of sticks that correspond with the number. But children understand immediately that zero has no spindles or sticks. You could easily do your own version with cups and buttons or what not.

Cheeky, my almost two year old has shown interest in this spindle box so to occupy her attention, I helped her through it. I was surprised that she stayed so focused though I doubt she understood much. While Koko her older sister is doing math work, she often does her own which is mostly sensorial and practical life at this point, but I guess she wanted to do math, too.

Mommy Me's idea of playing "Knock, Knock, who's there?" is a hit in our house. I am so glad that Koko is motivated to practice tracing the sandpaper numbers. Basically, I flipped all the cards face down and then Koko taps it lightly and say, "Knock, knock." And I ask, "Who's there?" and she flips the card says the number (of letter if you're using the sandpaper letters) and traces it.

Today, my friend gave me a few golden bead presentations. It was a little information overload, but exciting nonetheless. I always hated math ever since I was a kid, but I think the Montessori method is helping me enjoy math for the first time in my life! I must be a visual learner. Am I the only person who has a hard time understanding some of those Montessori guidebooks that don't have pictures? If I have time, I am going to post some of the presentations in the next couple of weeks with tons of pictures.