Montessori-inspired Study of Europe with Free Printables

Montessori materials for continent studies usually include continent boxes and map puzzles.  Many children are given the experience of labeling each country within a continent with flags attached to toothpicks.

When we started our continent studies, I did not have materials to use for continent boxes.  I definitely couldn't afford the wooden map puzzles.  My son, who suffers from a life threatening adhesive allergy could not work with toothpick flags, because of the adhesive used to put them together.

Needless to say, we've learned to be creative, while still following along with Montessori principles.  Here is part one of our Montessori-inspired Study of Europe with free printables.

Here's what's on our shelves!

European Country Nomenclature Cards

 The more work we do with flags, the more my kiddos seem to remember their countries.  When choosing this activity, my kiddos will match the 3 part cards together.  I did not include all of the European countries in this activity as we thought it would be too overwhelming, however all are available in the printable.

Source:  I created this printable for this activity. The Europe Unit Language Printable Pack 1 is a free printable.  For your free copy, click on the link at the bottom of this post.

European Country First Letter Sound Cards

 The kiddos will use the control cards provided to help them mark the first letter sound cards correctly.  This is a great activity that helps kiddos start to learn the names of all of the different countries, while at the same time improving their language skills.  I did not include all countries in my activity, however all European countries are included in the set of free cards.

Source:  I created this printable for this activity. The Europe Unit Language Printable Pack 1 is a free printable.  For your free copy, click on the link at the bottom of this post.

European Country Name Syllable Counting

There are many countries in Europe that are extremely difficult for a little one to pronounce.  To help this process along, I've created syllable counting cards for each of the countries.  

Not all are included in our activity, just the ones that prove to be most difficult to pronounce.  

However almost all countries are included in the printable.  

Before the kiddos complete this activity on their own, we will review the names of each country several times.

Source:  I created this printable for this activity. The Europe Unit Language Printable Pack 1 is a free printable.  For your copy, click on the link at the bottom of this post.

European Country Name Phonogram Sorting

Another way to help the kiddos learn to pronounce their country names is to link them to a phonogram they already know.  The kiddos will sort selected country cards by phonograms "ar," "er," and "or."  Cards from the nomenclature activity above are used for this activity.

Source:  I created this printable for this activity. The Europe Unit Language Printable Pack 1 is a free printable.  For your copy, click on the link at the bottom of this post.

European Desserts Money Match Up

It can be tricky finding ways to incorporate Geography and Culture into math activities, but it can be done.  I am extremely disappointed, because two of the math activities I wanted to include in this unit fell through.  However, counting money while looking at pictures of delicious desserts is always a winner with the kiddos.

The cards introduce the kiddos to different dessert dishes around Europe. They are asked to count the money it costs to purchase the desserts and match them up to the correct dollar value cards.  

The prices of the treats in no way resembles their true cost.  I have chosen to use currency from the USA, because that's what the kiddos are working on learning at this time.

Source:  I created the printable for this activity. The Europe Unit Math Printable Pack 1 is free.  For your copy, click on the link at the bottom of this post.

50+ Animals from Europe

My oldest son is obsessed with animals. Any time we study a particular place, he requests animal cards.  He chooses how he sorts them.  The cards could be used in a variety of ways.  He's become quite an expect when identifying species, where they live etc.

Source:  I created this printable. The Europe Unit Geography & Culture Printable Pack 1 is free. For copy, click on the link at the bottom of this post.

Coloring Map of Europe

When it comes to continent studies I like to include at least two map activities.  However, when studying Europe this is a challenge because it's so large with so many countries.  The kiddos thoroughly enjoy coloring their maps.

Source:  The free coloring map for this activity can be found at d-maps.com.

Finding European Landmarks using a Globe

About two weeks ago we received a beautiful globe in the mail.  The kiddos have been so anxious to use it. I thought it might be fun to use it to find countries where specific landmarks are found.  When they find the country on the globe, they can place the landmark replicas next to their matching cards.

European Art & Artist Match Up

A study of Europe just wouldn't be the same without studying art.  The kiddos will match up artwork with the corresponding artist.  In our home, this usually occurs in the form of a memory game.

Source:  I created this printable. The Europe Unit Geography & Culture Printable Pack 1 is free.  For your copy, click on the link at the bottom of this post.

For those who would like even more Montessori continent printables and activity ideas, be sure to subscribe to our free newsletter by clicking on the link below.

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Don't forget to grab your free printables!

Europe Unit Language Printable Pack 1

Europe Unit Math Printable Pack 1

Europe Unit Geography & Culture Printable Pack 1

For more fabulous geography activities and ideas take a look at other posts included in the 12 Months of Montessori Learning.

Natural Beach Living ~ The Natural Homeschool ~ Living Montessori Now ~

The Kavanaugh Report ~ Mama's Happy Hive  ~ Grace and Green Pastures ~ The Pinay Homeschooler

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