Let's discuss the Montessori Sensorial Materials in more detail using the Montessori Number Rods and Red Rods as an example.

In the words of Maria Montessori,

"The training of the senses, insofar as it makes a man an observer, not only fulfills the generic function of adapting him to the contemporary mode of civilization, but it also prepares him for the exigencies of life."

A child can not progress with academic accomplishments until their sensory needs are met and developed appropriately.

This is why sensorial materials are being highlighted in our classroom this year with Sunshine and our other children.  

Note:  The Montessori Number Rods are the first material in the Montessori Math Preschool Curriculum, but they can also be used as a sensorial material.  For the purposes of this post I will refer to them as a sensorial material.

The Benefits of Montessori Sensorial Materials

I have put off purchasing Montessori sensorial materials for quite some time.  Those that I can make with my limited DIY skills, I do.  Justifying the cost and the need for sensorial materials compared to those in the core subject areas is tough.

Then there's the question of space.  Some of the sensorial materials are really big, not to mention heavy.  Even if we find a space to put the materials, my husband worries about the space needed to successfully complete sensorial work.  

And safety...  If some of the sensorial materials aren't used appropriately, they can definitely cause damage to surroundings and people.  Some of our kids have a lack of safety awareness, issues with depth perception, vision impairment, and destructive tendencies.  

Then there's our kids who become quite obsessed with parts and pieces, so much that they're unable to complete a task. 

One would think this is enough to build a case that sensorial materials aren't worth purchasing.  But here's where you'd be wrong.  

Sensorial materials help a child develop their minds and bodies in a way that prepares them for work in the core subject areas.

Working with the sensorial materials can help a child's body receive sensory input that's crucial to development.  This sensory input may help a child stay regulated in a classroom whereas he may not otherwise do so.

Sensorial materials can aid in helping a child with sensory sensitivities become more comfortable with their surroundings.  

They can help a child with motor delays and low muscle tone.  

If a child is able to complete sensorial work in the classroom, he will be prepared to succeed in the core subject areas because his body and his mind are trained in the ways that are necessary for success.

Just take a look at what can be done with the Number Rods and Red Rods!

Montessori Sensorial Materials: The Number Rods and Red Rods

The Number Rods and Red Rods are huge!  They are long and heavy.  Storing them on shelves or in their stands can take up quite a bit of space.  The price of the materials can be quite a turn off.

But do you know how many different ways there are to use the Montessori Number Rods and Red Rods?  

Do you know how much these materials can benefit a child?  

Are you aware of alternatives that may work for specific children in your classroom?  

Let me just give you a glimpse of the amazing sensory experiences that have taken place in our classroom!

The Number Rods and Red Rods have been in our classroom for over a month now.  Each child has shown excitement while using the materials in ways that best fit their academic and sensorial journey. 

Beginner Exercises with Montessori Red Rods and Number Rods

Sunshine is just beginning her sensorial journey in the classroom.  When working with the Red Rods she is starting with the very first lesson.  The same is true when using the Montessori Number Rods. 

Montessori Sensorial Materials: Intermediate Exercises with Number Rods and Red Rods

Once Dinomite, Bulldozer and Princess completed the beginner exercises, they moved on to the intermediate level exercises. These include variations for each set of rods, used individually.

Montessori Sensorial Materials: Advanced Exercises with Number Rods and Red Rods

Eventually Dinomite, Bulldozer and Princess all felt ready to take on a bigger challenge, variations that include the use of both the Number Rods and Red Rods at the same time.

Montessori Sensorial Resources for the Classroom

When it came to finding resources for my four kiddos, Montessori Print Shop didn't let me down.  They offer this amazing Red Rods & Number Rods Pattern Cards Bundle that includes all of the variations you could possibly dream of to accommodate any child's need.

I noticed that Bulldozer preferred work where he arranged the rods vertically.  Dinomite leaned toward work where he could easily see patterns.  Princess loved variations where the rods were more spread out.  The bundle from Montessori Print Shop included variations for everyone.

Special Circumstances with Sensorial Materials

Now some of you may be thinking, wait a minute! Aren't Dinomite, Bulldozer and Princess elementary students?  You are correct. They are.  But due to their developmental disabilities it wasn't until now that they have been ready for work with the Red Rods and Number Rods past the initial lesson.

Dinomite becomes frustrated easily and hasn't been able to visually discriminate variations until now.  

Bulldozer could not lift and carry materials due to low muscle tone and a lack of safety awareness.  

Princess was not at point where she would let me present lessons to her or be trusted working independently.

If your child has special needs of any kind he may not be ready for the Red Rods and Number Rods until much later in the learning process. And that's okay.  

There are so many variations that make this work very flexible for physical and cognitive development.

Alternatives

There are some children who may never be ready for the classroom size Red Rods and Number Rods due to physical limitations, lack of safety awareness or behavioral issues.  

If not supervised closely 100% of the time, Sunshine and Princess are not able to use these materials. Instead we have them use the small numerical rods.

There are actually two sets of numerical rods included.  One can easily be painted red to act as a set of Red Rods.  

Though smaller, this set can provide a child with experiences they may otherwise not have due to developmental, physical, and/or emotional limitations.  They are also a great cost effective alternative if your budget is tight.

The Montessori Number Rods and Red Rods are fabulous materials that should be included in every classroom.  There are so many ways to use them, such as those mentioned in this post, and then some when combined with the Montessori Pink Tower and Brown Stair.

Children love them and find the challenge of working with them too exciting to resist.  It's through their experiences with these materials that they improve and refine their senses, and also prepare for more difficult math and geometry concepts.

For those who would like more resources related to Montessori Sensorial materials and resources, be sure to subscribe to our free newsletter by clicking on the link below.

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Montessori-inspired Gift Ideas for Little Girls

Sunshine is turning six! I can't believe it.  She has been talking about her birthday nonstop.  At the same time, every day she keeps telling me she has too many toys and wants to get rid of some.  Needless to say her wish list was a little bit of a challenge this year.

The good news is, if I had to pin point one area of life where she just can't get enough, it's learning.  She LOVES to learn.  Right now she's big into astronomy, geography, history, zoology, and botany.  It only seemed appropriate to put together some Montessori-inspired gift ideas for little girls.

This post contains affiliate links.

Let's take a closer look at Sunshine's requests this year!

Astronomy

One of Sunshine's favorite things to do since we moved to Virginia is stargaze.  She's come a long way in just six short months from being afraid to even step foot outside in the dark, to enjoying campfires safely, and then laying on a blanket and to look at stars.  We definitely are excited to encourage this new hobby!

A Child's Introduction to the Night Sky: The Story of the Stars, Planets, and Constellations is a great book to teach Sunshine about the night sky.  We are always looking for constellations, shooting stars and more.

Purchased The National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Space is a book we've checked out from the library but still don't own. It's the perfect book for Sunshine to enjoy.  Lately she's been very big into encyclopedia type picture books.

Purchased Animals in the Stars Lacing Cards are a great way for Sunshine to practice fine motor skills which she needs some help with, while at the same time learning some of the constellations in the sky!

Purchased Binoculars are a hot item in this house. Only Dinomite owns his own pair.  Sunshine gets quite upset that she doesn't have any to use, especially when outside. Just imagine how many more stars she could see with them.

Purchased A Waterproof Blanket has been deemed a necessity while star gazing. We've been bringing blankets out from inside, but they always soak through with dew and we end up getting wet.  This seems to be the perfect blanket for Sunshine as she refuses to look at stars any other way.

The Space Shuttle is such an adorable plush item!  Sunshine can still only keep soft items in her room.  We figure it's time we add a vehicle.  What better one than a space shuttle!

Geography & History

Sunshine is LOVING geography and history.  She gets so excited when identifying her continents and learning all about them.  As a family we've been focusing on American History this year and she finds it absolutely fascinating.

Purchased The National Geographic First Big Book of the World is yet another encyclopedia like picture book that Sunshine seems to gravitate to right now.  It's perfect to look at while she wants to stay close to Mommy and Daddy in the kitchen.

The Hug-A-Planet Earth and Moon 2 Piece Bundle is something that Sunshine saw a while ago and has begged for ever since. I love that the set is soft and that she can keep it in her room.

Purchased The National Geographic Kids Beginner's World Atlas is yet another book that will entertain Sunshine for hours, when she decides she doesn't want to go play in her room but instead sit in the kitchen while Mommy or Daddy prepare a meal.

"Anne of Jamestown" is a doll that Sunshine saw while we were at Jamestown that she loved.  Already she has one from the Colonial Williamsburg Era that she dresses and undresses everyday, and sleeps with at night.  Of course Sunshine wants the complete set!

Purchased "Winganusk of the Powhatans" is the perfect doll to remind Sunshine how much she LOVED learning about the Native American Indians while in Yorktown, Jamestown and Colonial Williamsburg.  It also goes along perfectly with the doll she already has and the others on this list.

Mukambu of Ndongo" Doll is yet another doll from the Williamsburg area.  While visiting we learned about three different perspectives: the colonist, Indians, and those that had been kidnapped from Africa and sold as slaves.  A doll set from that era wouldn't be complete without this beautiful addition.

Biology

It's no secret that Sunshine has always loved biology.  At this particular time she's quite obsessed with the plants and animals in our yard and in the fields behind our house.  Life wouldn't be the same if Sunshine wasn't learning something new in these areas.

Purchased The Learning Resources Let's Grow: A Life Cycles Game is perfect for Sunshine right now and helps her learn the life cycles of animals around her.

Purchased The National Geographic Wild Animal Atlas is great for those times when Sunshine just likes to lay on the floor with a book.

Purchased Set of 10'' and 6'' Deer (Mommy and Baby) is very specific to Sunshine's love and adoration for the family of deer that we see daily behind our house in the fields and sometimes in our yard.  There are 7 deer total.  We've seen the babies grow from their tiniest size to looking like full grown adults now.  If you choose this gift, be sure to order both size deer, the mama and the baby.

The Harvest Time Cooperative Game has received great reviews and is the type of game Sunshine can play without worrying who wins or loses.  And it's about plants!

Purchased A Flower and Leaf Press has become a necessity in Sunshine's life.  She is constantly picking flowers and leaves but is devastated when they crumble, tear, or die.  With a flower and leaf press she'll be able to keep her treasures forever!

The Tree Book for Kids and Their Grown-Ups is perfect for Sunshine and her obsession with trees.  I have never met a child who can drive down the highway and pick out all of the trees that she sees, identifying them by name.  That is until we moved here and the trees are different.  She's desperately trying to figure out what everything is. This book is the sure thing to help her.

It's so fun to see Sunshine's interests blossom.  Over the past few months she just craves learning as much as she can.  The most exciting thing of all is that she's absorbing it!

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Bulldozer is Baptized a Member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!

I've been thinking a lot about Bulldozer and his baptism lately.  Since moving to VA this boy has blossomed in so many ways.  Bulldozer absolutely loves church and shows a sincere desire to attend each week.  He's started participating in the cub scout program.  Each week he talks about his friends and loves to spend time with them.  I couldn't be happier.

There have been some hiccups along the way, and currently we're trying to help him through some difficult transitions, but when I look at how far he's come, I'm amazed.  This is the kid that wouldn't participate in primary until he was seven years old and that was only with a parent.  

Bulldozer was petrified of baptism and showed no desire until three months before his 8th birthday when he decided it was okay to put his head under water.

As I've been reflecting on Bulldozer's special baptism day, I realized I didn't ever share it with you.  There were some complications with pictures, and so only tonight did I finish editing them all.  It only took me a year.  Lol.  The pictures aren't perfect, but you see the joy and happiness in Bulldozer's eyes in almost every one.  He truly shined that day.  It was perfect!

Here are memories from when Bulldozer was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!

I realized right before Dinomite's baptism that it would be wise to hire a photographer for the special occasion.  Sure I could take photos, but I wanted to be there for my son, and didn't want to miss a single precious moment.

Dinomite being my first, I wasn't really sure what types of pictures I wanted so the few that were taken worked, but I knew for Bulldozer's baptism, I wanted more.  I wanted to capture the day in as many ways as I could.

Note: All photos were taken before and after the baptism and confirmation, NOT during.

We were really hesitant about moving forward with Bulldozer's baptism.  Due to his autism, ADHD, and history in primary, we wanted to make sure he understood what he was doing and that we had other eyes and ears on him to confirm that in fact he was ready.

As part of this process we had the missionaries over on several occasions to teach him the discussions.  Bulldozer loved to have them come over and developed such a great relationship with them.  I feel this helped so much as we grew closer to his special day.

My husband Jason performed the baptism.  Bulldozer was so proud of himself for enjoying the process.  Like I mentioned earlier, it was only three short months before his special day that he decided it was okay to put his head under water.

At Dinomite's baptism, I didn't realize until afterward that not one photo of him and I was taken. Though I'm not a fan of being in pictures, I wanted to be sure I had one this time around.  Looking at Bulldozer's genuine smile, the photo was so worth it!

Dinomite with his younger cousin Cam.

The baptism was conducted by a member of the bishopric. Bulldozer chose the opening hymn/song.  An opening prayer was said and then Dinomite gave a talk on baptism, per Bulldozer's request.  Somehow I missed getting a photo of the two brothers together this time around, but the one above will work as it's my favorite picture of Dinomite from the day.

After the baptism while Jason and Bulldozer were getting dressed, two of Bulldozer's friends played beautiful music.  Bulldozer had specifically asked that they play at his baptism.  He loves these girls and their music!

Once Bulldozer was back from dressing, a talk was given on the gift of the Holy Ghost.  Bulldozer asked the mother of his two favorite girls to speak.  She gave an amazing talk relating the gift of the Holy Ghost to Star Wars and the "Power of the Force."  Everyone knows Bulldozer is obsessed with Star Wars.  He loved it!

My husband confirmed Bulldozer a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Bulldozer specifically asked all of the men in this picture to stand in his confirmation circle.

After Bulldozer was confirmed, the Primary President of our ward was the first to welcome him as an official baptized and confirmed member.  She gave a beautiful talk that included a bag of chocolate which Bulldozer LOVED.

Before the reception, we gathered everyone who was in attendance for a picture.  Due to Bulldozer's anxieties this was an invitation only baptism.  We so loved all those who came for his special day!

All of the kids did very well before, during, and after the baptism. I was one proud Mama!

Bulldozer could not imagine the day without his favorite buddy PJ, his mentor from a one-to-one program in our community.

When asked what Bulldozer wanted served after his baptism, he requested a dessert bar.  Several of the sisters from our ward made all types of delicious chocolatey treats.  Bulldozer was in heaven.

We were so excited that three sets of grandparents, an aunt, and a cousin were all able to be in attendance for Bulldozer's special day.  Some drove over two hours to be there.

All four kids with their Grandma Rose

Whenever grandparents are around we try to capture some fun photos. Knowing the kids were pretty burned out at this point, we told them they could make any face they wanted.  Here's the results!

All four kids with Grandma Toni and Grandpa  Ron

I love all of the expressions on their faces.

All four kids with Grandpa Rob and Grandma Jackie

I can not think of a more perfect baptism day than the one Bulldozer had.  He just radiated with the spirit and soaked up so much attention from all of those that love him.

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Giving Family Experiences-Our Minimalist Christmas Tradition

What do you do when you don't have space for anything else in your home and the holiday season is approaching and you're already freaking out about all of the kids' triggers related to the holiday season?

Since moving into our small home we do not have room for more stuff. Just the thought of more toys, books, and other miscellaneous items makes me anxious.

So, we're doing something else this year for Christmas.  

Instead of giving the children a ton of gifts this year, we're giving them family experiences.  

It's our new Christmas tradition!

Giving Family Experiences: Our New Minimalist Christmas Tradition

Giving family experiences for Christmas will also help with managing anxieties, PSTD triggers, autism struggles, and behaviors related to Reactive Attachment Disorder.  

It's amazing how the process of giving and receiving gifts affects a child's ability to function in different ways.  

If you're not familiar with our story or your family is struggling during the holiday season as well, be sure to check out our book, Holidays and PTSD: A Parent's Guide to Survival.

I am so excited about this alternative with so many fewer triggers for everyone!

It also brings me great joy to embrace minimalism in as many ways as we can during the holiday season!

Our Plans for Giving Experiences for Christmas

Here's how we've worked it out.  Grandparents are giving specific experiences aka family passes to some of our favorite places.  

We as parents will be giving the kids a vacation where we will use a majority of the passes.

We will also be spoiling the kids with the luxuries a vacation can bring such as eating at their favorite restaurants, staying in a hotel, participating in special activities we wouldn't normally do.

And just in case you're wondering if the kids are on board, or if we made this decision ourselves, we let the kids decide.  

Yep! That's right! They chose vacation over presents.  I'm smiling from ear to ear just thinking about.

Goodbye holiday stress!

Hello fun and relaxation!

Now before you get all worried that my children will not receive any gifts for Christmas, know the agreement is that each person in the family will buy one small gift for everyone else, which will be opened on Christmas morning.

Each person will also receive their stocking filled with fun goodies which seems to be what was most important to each kiddo.

Our Christmas vacation will take place the first week in December when my husband is able to take time off and when it's least busy with kids and college students still in school.  

This will hopefully make up for the fact that Daddy has to work every holiday until the end of the year.

Since deciding on this tradition, we've followed through with a vacation almost every first week in December. 

No matter how tight finances are, we make it work by choosing a destination that will fit our budget.

How to Come Up with Family Experience Ideas

Though your family may not live where we do, we hope that these family experience gift ideas will provide inspiration for you. 

Consider the following questions when coming up with family experience ideas.

• Where would your family go if you could pick a mini vacation destination?
• Are there special places of interest close to doctors, specialists, and/or therapist offices?
• What are your children interested in currently in regards to history and science?
• What places have age appropriate activities where your children will feel comfortable?

Important Reminders!

When purchasing tickets and passes, it's important to remember the ages of the children.  

Be aware of varying prices for in state versus out of state residents.  At some places being a resident of the city or county can provide opportunities for huge discounts.

Consider a special experience within an experience.  

Most places offer an initial price for entrance but also offer other unique opportunities that must be paid for.  There are so many ways to make an experience extra special!

Family Experience Gift Ideas

We have come up with five different types of family experiences that meet the needs of our own family and are realistic in regards to where we live. 

• Historical Sites & Museums
• Amusement Parks
• Hotel Packages
• Zoos & Safaris
• Restaurant Gift Cards

If we're visiting a city, movie theater passes, a gift card to the bowling alley, concert or show tickets, and a few other items may be on our list.

I'd love to hear about family gift experience ideas that you have!

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Anyone who's considering implementing Montessori at home knows that Montessori floor beds are a big deal.  

Whether you have a baby or a toddler they're encouraged as part of a Montessori bedroom.  

But what if you have a special needs child with disabilities?  

Believe it or not the Montessori floor bed and special needs/disabilities go hand in hand.

The Montessori Floor Bed and Special Needs

What Is a Montessori Floor Bed?

A Montessori floor bed is a bed that is very low to the ground to allow easy mobility for babies and toddlers.

Most often there is no space between the floor and the bed.

Sometimes there is a frame.

Other times only a mattress may be used.

A Montessori floor bed is used to promote independence and encourage a child led environment.

It encourages motor skills and self-paced learning.

A Montessori floor bed is part of a Montessori bedroom set up.

In a Montessori bedroom all furniture and items are to be child sized and at the child's level.

When a bed is low to the ground, the infant or toddler does not need assistance getting on or off the bed and is less prone to injury.

A Montessori floor bed is encouraged for infants and toddlers through age three, but can be extremely helpful with children who have disabilities.

When it comes to safety, independence, and motor skills, a child can never be the wrong age to benefit from a Montessori floor bed if circumstances permit.

Why We Chose to Use a Montessori Floor Bed with our Special Needs Children

Even before we implemented Montessori into any aspect of our lives, both of my daughters used a floor bed.  

The idea came naturally to me as we were having significant issues using a crib with each of them.

Princess would lodge her limbs into the sides of her crib between the rails, so much that it would take an adult to loosen and free them. 

I was so worried she was going to break a limb.  

Every morning I'd wake up to the same situation.  

This was when she arrived in our home as a six months old foster child.

The only solution I could come up with was to put her on a mattress on the floor.  

It was absolutely amazing to me how this solved our problem and so many others so quickly.  

She loved the independence she gained as she was able to move on and off the bed as often as she liked.  

No longer did she feel trapped or confined.  Most importantly she was safe.

Sunshine would scream for hours EVERY. SINGLE. NIGHT when she was placed in her crib.  

In the morning she'd wake up screaming as well.  

There came a point when I couldn't take it anymore and realized that the crib may be a PTSD trigger for her.  

Sunshine came to our home as a six month old infant from foster care as well.

At first, I placed Sunshine in a typical toddler's bed, but she began freaking out the moment a toy or blanket fell off the bed and would refuse to get it.  

We didn't know it then, but due to an abnormality on one of Sunshine's eyes, she is vision impaired and struggles with depth perception.  

She also has extreme sensitivities to vestibular input.  

Sunshine could not tell how close the floor was from the high bed she was on.  

Nor was she great at balancing to figure out just how far down it was.  

Once we removed the frame and box spring, she could see where she was in relation to the floor, and had no troubles retrieving her things when they fell.

After we saw such success with the girls, due to behaviors and other issues we ultimately ended up using Montessori floor beds for the boys as well until they were no longer developmentally appropriate.  

They seem to be the solution to all of our problems including transitions, destructive tendencies, and a lack of safety awareness.

Here's a picture of Sunshine's bedroom as a preschooler.  She requested that her walls be bright yellow like the sun.

Montessori floor beds are usually recommended for infants and toddlers, but when it comes to children with special needs and disabilities, some can benefit from a floor bed for many years after that.  

Consider the following points when deciding if a Montessori floor bed may be right for your special needs child.

Chronological Age

How old is your child?  

If your child is currently an infant or toddler, and you're wanting to implement Montessori in the home, the floor bed is a perfect and easy way to start that process.  

Using a floor bed allows your infant and toddler to gain independence and a better understanding of the world around them.  

For safety reasons, you may choose to put a baby gate in the doorway of the bedroom.  This provides reasonable limits and peace of mind.  

If you're worried your infant may fall, place a nice soft rug beside the floor bed to prevent accidents.

The only time I would not recommend a floor bed is if your child is hooked up to medical equipment with wires and cords while sleeping.  

Unlimited movement around the room may pose a safety risk.

Developmental Age

Your child may be chronologically five or six but developmentally only two or three years old.  

This is often the case with children who have developmental disabilities such as autism.  

In these cases a child may not be fully ready for a big kid bed even though they may be five or six years old.

There may be a lack of safety awareness, sensory issues, or struggles with muscle tone and gross motor skills.  

A Montessori floor bed is perfect in these circumstances and can promote development and independence in so many positive ways. 

Emotional Age

There are children who may be cognitively and developmentally age appropriate but are extremely delayed in the area of emotional functioning due to trauma or mental health issues.  

At times when the emotional age of the child is delayed, there can be destructive tendencies, a desire to harm one's self or others, rages, and so much more.

When parenting a child like this it is so important to provide a safe place for the child to go and calm down.  

A room with a Montessori floor bed is just the thing!  

It is soft.  

It's low to the ground.  

If it's moved or turned over, no harm can be done to the child.  

The bed itself can be pushed around the room to provide necessary sensory input when needed.  

And yes, we've experienced all of this first hand,  

The Montessori floor bed has been a sanity saver for all of us as we have tried to help the girls through the most difficult of times.  

It brings great comfort knowing that they'll be safe in their rooms because of the Montessori floor bed.

If you have not considered a Montessori floor bed for your special needs child, I invite you to consider the benefits of it.  

I could go on and on about how it has helped each individual child in our home.  

It was definitely an inspired aspect of an infant and toddler room AND for those who are still developmentally and emotionally infants and toddlers.

For more Montessori home ideas for special needs, be sure to subscribe to our free newsletter by clicking the link below.

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