Monday, February 8

Monday


Finger Painting Fun




It has been awhile since we did finger painting but because it such a great sensorial activity, not to mention so much fun, I am thinking we will incorporate it into Monday "painting day" more often.




A little rearranging and we created a space for playing store.





A ring of the bell, and it's open for business!

15 comments:

Jess said...

What a gorgeous play space!! I love it - I bet they do too! (:

Miri said...

It would be interesting to hear your thoughts regarding your approach to art availability. For me, it is one of the aspects in Steiner philosophy that I find difficult to agree with. I much more respect Montessori "Follow the child" method than scheduled art activities. May I ask what you do if your daughters want to make art on other days apart Monday?
Thank you as always!
And yes, the play space is just beautiful! So important...

Amy said...

Thanks for the comments =)
I do try to have a Montessori approach in the home, so the my girls have access to the art cupboard at all times and they use it daily and sometimes more than once a day. It has the playdough, paper, colored pencils, crayons. metal insets, markers, tape, glue, collage materials, scissors and art mats for under their work. I feel it is most important that they be able to use the materials when they want to. Mostly we do painting just on Monday but if my daughter asked to another day (and occasionally she will) then she can use it then too. Painting time is nice because I participate with her, while at other times if she wanted to paint she would work independently while I am doing other things (like housework)

Miri said...

Thank you for clarifying that! This would be my understanding too, when my son is older.
Have you tried glue with your younger daughter already?

Unknown said...

First your site/comments are fab and very inspirational! Thanks!!
I need help with my finger painting. How much paint do you give your girls?
How do you organize the paint??
Thanks
Anne

Amy said...

I have tried glue sticks but not liquid glue with a brush. She does well with the glue stick and enjoys collages. Anne- I don't really have a system. I do cut large sheets of paper from the roll, tape it down, and have them tell me what colors they want (usually all of them) and I make puddles across the top of the paper. I have used a muffin tray in the past(6 cups) which also works. As far as clean up I have them go one at a time to the bathroom with me and we wash up.

Anonymous said...

My name is Junko. I am a Japanese and I have two kids. I am trying to use Motessori to raise my kids. I have a question about Montessori method. I guess kids would work only on what they like, and they would never work on what they don't like. Isn't it unbalanced?

Miri said...

Thank you!
If you find it appropriate, I would appreciate your insights regarding making art at home with both the preschooler and toddler. For example - is the art cupboard available for both of them, on all if its materials?; what is your reaction to a toddler which tries to use his older sibling's materials (liquid glue, for instance)?; are there any activities you prefer to do with the older one when a younger one is asleep?

Unknown said...

Thank you!! It's been helpful.I have tried paint for finger painting which comes in little pots but my little girl uses a lot of it. I haven't found glue sticks. I guess they come in different colors, from what you're saying.
Thanks again for your posts and fab ideas!!

Amy said...

Junko- Yes, Montessori education allows the child the freedom to chose his/her own work. Children learn best when the work is something they are interested in. Montessori encourages the child to work as long and as often as they want on what they choose. Another reason for this is that children developed differently and what one child is ready for, say learning letters, another child is not, a lack of interest can be a lack of readiness. The goal of the educator is to have a prepared environment with the materials so when the child is ready it is there. Also, presenting materials in a way that is inviting: attractive, organized, complete, so the child will want to use them. The three year cycle of Montessori usually ensures that by the time the child reaches age 6 all the materials have been used. One of my pet peeves, and something I feel happens too often, is that parents and teachers have a personal agenda/timeline when they think the child should read, count, write and push the child to do this too early. If we really "follow the child" like Montessori tells us to, it will be balanced eventually. My suggestion is present the concept/materials you think your child is ready for and if they say "no thanks" or don't touch it, let it go and wait a while (6-8 weeks)and try again. Also ask yourself if there were ways to improve the presentation of the lesson or make it more interesting.

My Child' Diary: The materials are all ones she can use with the exception of the scissors & glue. (I will wait a bit longer for scissors and the glue) If she gets it out, I offer her the glue stick. If she wants something cut I encourage her to ask her sister to cut it.I try to always have her go to her sister for help, I like the fact that they can help each other and it helps builds that positive relationship. Sometimes there are activities for crafts that we do while she naps but most of the time I try to include her and sometimes I scale it down to a simpler version for example making snowflakes- she can't cut with scissors so her sister will and she can use the glue and glitter.

Anonymous said...

Amy,

Thank you very much for your weply!
Your comment was very helpful and clarified my question.

Junko

Miri said...

Thank you so much! As always, I've learned something new...
I loved you comment about the importance of slowing down and following the child on his own pace. I wish more parents and teachers understood it.

Sheryll said...

Love the cash register...can you tell me what kind it is or where you got it? Thanks!

Amy said...

The cash register comes from Nova Natural Toys

Maclina Duglas said...

Really I am very impressed with this post. Just awesome... I haven’t any word to appreciate this post.

Montessori Geometry Sticks