The Montessori Math Bead Bar Printable Pack Bundle was designed to help my youngest daughter Sunshine learn her numbers, as this is something she struggles with.

Each day she'd select work from our Montessori shelves and become frustrated because it was too hard.  She had such a hard time remembering, and always needed someone working with her.

Then there were times when she was really trying to focus on her work, but every little movement and sound around her was a distraction.  

She'd lose her focus and then become frustrated because she couldn't pick up where she left off, let alone remember what she was doing in the first place.

Besides the inability to remember number concepts from day to day and her distractibility, Sunshine has extreme delays in fine motor skills.  

She suffers from a vision impairment in one eye that also affects her depth perception. Sunshine needed some extra resources!

I can not express in words the positive changes we've seen in Sunshine and her ability to complete number work with Montessori materials since introducing parts of this bundle.  It is amazing!  

Here's how to use the Montessori Math Bead Bar Bundle to help your own child!

How to Use the Montessori Math Bead Bar Bundle

The Montessori Colored Bead Stair

The Montessori Colored Bead Stair is very challenging for Sunshine.  Her frustration tolerance is so low.  When she sincerely tries to do the work and fails, she's devastated.

To help her be successful we've added the tray so her beads stay in order if she accidentally bumps them, which has been known to happen on several occasions.

We've also added a colored control copy of My Number Book from the Montessori Math Bead Bar Printable Pack Bundle.  

When Sunshine selects this work from the shelf, she uses the book, page by page to help her put the Montessori Colored Bead Bars in order.

If she becomes distracted, she has her book open to the right page to help her know where she left off.  

The book also helps her remember the bead colors and corresponding numbers. 

There are also days when counting each individual bead on the bar is extremely difficult.  

This book provides the information she needs during those times.

It's the goal to help her progress to doing the work without these extra supports, but it may be years before she's ready to do that. 

In the meantime we are working extremely hard to follow her desire to learn more about numbers.

The Montessori Teens Board

It took Sunshine years to be able to master work related to numbers 1-10. On her best days she can complete the work with minimal assistance, BUT Sunshine wanted to learn bigger numbers this year.  In essence she was done counting to ten and made that perfectly clear.  So, I introduced the Teens Board.

Knowing the Teens Board would be a challenge, especially when working with the corresponding bead bars, I created an extra control for her work, My Teen Numbers Book.  Just like the book for numbers 0-10, this book is for numbers 11-19.  The control version of the book has all beads colored in with corresponding numbers.

Sunshine LOVES this book with her Montessori Teen Board and beads.  The smile on her face when completing the work melts my heart.

The added resource helps her work independently.  

If she gets distracted, if she forgets what number comes next, or if she just cannot count those darn beads, let alone create bigger numbers with them, she can get back on track and still feel successful.

The Montessori Tens Board

Just last month, Sunshine asked if she could work with the Tens Board.  Knowing she'd need extra resources to be successful, I pulled the tens cards from My Montessori Number Book 0-100 as an introduction to the work.  

Just as she had used the teens book as a control for the teens board, she used this book for the tens board.

We started with one board and then progressed to two.  

She's still trying to learn the names of the numbers, but the book provides her with the visual cues she needs.

The Hundred Board

Sunshine isn't anywhere near ready to start working with the Montessori Hundred Board, but when she is the extra support and resource she needs is ready to go.  (She actually already uses it as a book to practice identifying numbers she's working on with other materials.)

My Montessori Number Book 0-100 includes all numbers 0-100.  As she's working on completing the Hundred Board she can have this book open, advancing through the pages, with visual reminders of what numbers come next.  

If she becomes distracted or frustrated she has her book there to help her refocus and remain calm.

Writing Out Numbers

Sunshine loves to write, even though her skills are extremely limited.  

Knowing I didn't want to squash her enthusiasm, but instead encourage it, I made sure that all numbers were written out in each book.

A coloring/traceable copy of each book is provided in the Montessori Math Bead Bar Printable Pack Bundle for Sunshine to practice her writing and coloring skills.  

Whether she uses actual beads or a control book, she's able to enjoy the process.

When my older kids expressed excitement for the books, I created a third version of the books in the bundle.  

In this version, a single line is provided instead of the written out number, so they can practice spelling number words.

The Montessori Math Bead Bar Printable Pack Bundle has been such an incredible resource in our classroom.  I honestly don't know what we did without it.  

It provides such independence for Sunshine as she completes number work using the Montessori Materials. 

When learning time isn't in session, she can be found carrying around one of the books flipping through the pages practicing her numbers.

This post has highlighted just a few of the resources in the Montessori Math Bead Bar Printable Pack Bundle.  

For information about other parts of the bundle, be sure to visit my post, Montessori-inspired Math Activities Using Bead Bars for more ideas.

If you'd like to see how others use this bundle, be sure to click the links below!

Montessori Math for Preschoolers Bead Bar Number Ordering Puzzle from MOMtessori Life

Montessori Math Printables Review from MOMtessori Life


The Montessori Math Bead Bar Printable Pack Bundle comes in print and in cursive. We use both sets in our classroom.  Click on the images below to obtain your own copy today!

For those who are looking for more Montessori math resources, be sure to subscribe to our free newsletter by clicking the link below.

Click HERE to Subscribe to our FREE Newsletter

If you enjoyed this post, you may also enjoy the posts below.

 
 

Read More »

Last year Sunshine spent the entire year trying to learn letter sounds.  Sadly, by the end of the year she could only remember a few.  

This year her desire to learn letter sounds has intensified.  

Knowing how much she struggled last year, I knew I needed to create a resource that would help her be successful.  The Montessori Letters and Sounds Printable Pack Bundle is just that!

Never in my wildest dreams did I anticipate it's use in our classroom to be so beneficial.  

Sunshine is thriving beyond what I ever thought possible.  The Montessori Letters and Sounds Printable Pack Bundle not only helps her learn her letter sounds but provides the resources she needs to work independently, which is something that definitely wasn't happening up to this point.

I'm so excited to show you how to use the Montessori Letters and Sounds Bundle!

The bundle was so successful, I decided to create one in cursive, so that my older children could also benefit from it.  All three of them learned print first and are at different phases in their cursive writing journey.  There really is something for everyone here.

How Does the Montessori Letters and Sounds Bundle Work?

The Montessori Letters and Sounds Printable Pack Bundle reinforces first letter sounds by using common household objects.  

You can use the actual objects or images provided in the bundle for every letter of the alphabet.  

Objects matched with first letter sounds remain consistent throughout the entire bundle to help reinforce the sound.

The Montessori Letters and Sounds Printable Pack Bundle is designed to be used with Montessori language materials.  

There are also printables that can be used independently of materials for extra reinforcement of the skill.

This bundle follows the sequence of teaching letters, sounds, and writing the Montessori way.  

For those who would like more information about this, be sure to visit the posts below.

Learning the Montessori Way: Letters and Sounds

Learning the Montessori Way: Writing

Let's take a look at all the kiddos have been doing with this amazing resource!

How to Use the Montessori Letters and Sounds Bundle

Montessori Sandpaper Letters

The kiddos have thoroughly enjoyed having a basket filled with materials that match every letter of the alphabet.  

Sunshine uses lowercase sandpaper letters in print.  

Dinomite, Princess and Bulldozer use both the upper and lowercase sandpaper letters in cursive.

The kiddos arrange the sandpaper letters in front of them and then place objects on top of each card.  

There are three items that we've chosen to use cards for instead of actual objects, but the rest are common household items that cost $1 or less.

If you're interested in Montessori sandpaper letters, here are our recommendations based on what we use at home.

Montessori Uppercase Sandpaper Letters in Print

Montessori Lowercase Sandpaper Letters in Print

Montessori Uppercase Sandpaper Letters in Cursive

Montessori Lowercase Sandpaper Letters in Cursive

Montessori Movable Alphabet

Sunshine has fallen in love with the movable alphabet this year, but struggled to use it appropriately.  For this reason I created My Montessori Lowercase Letters and Sounds Book as part of this bundle.  The size of the letters in this book is the same as those in our small movable alphabet.

Sunshine removes each letter from the box and places it on the card with the corresponding letter.  The image on each card helps Sunshine remember which sound each letter makes.  She will do this over and over again and loves to put the letters away as much as she enjoys placing them on the cards.

Writing Letters

We have been working to help Sunshine learn to write for years, but her delays in fine motor skills make the process difficult.  

This year Sunshine is begging for more opportunities to write, even though it's something she struggles with.  

For this reason I created a traceable version of My Montessori Letters and Sounds Books in both upper and lowercase.  

The letters are large and easy to trace using a finger, crayon, or marker.

Sunshine LOVES to trace her letters, especially when it means she is able to use her "special" markers.  Her writing is improving and the frustration over trying to write letters on her own is no longer an issue.

The cursive version of the same books has also been beneficial to Bulldozer as he also struggles with fine motor skills and needs larger letters to trace, especially on those days when he forgets how to write.

Dinomite and Princess enjoy the cursive versions of this book both in uppercase and lowercase.  They enjoy a large space to practice their letters.

Dinomite also enjoys the flashcards/flip books of letters written on lines.  The letters are smaller and for refined fingers, but provide a great chance to really master writing letters.  

Control cards, traceable cards, and blank cards with lines are included.

Other Activities included in the Montessori Letters and Sounds Bundle

Of course I couldn't just stop at books and flashcards! 

There is so much more fun included in this bundle as you help your child master their letters and sounds.

A bundle from us wouldn't be the same without letter sound clip cards, with both lowercase and uppercase letters.  

Princess loves using the cursive version, while Sunshine is just starting to trust that she can mark the right letters, using her letters and sound book as a control.

There are match up cards, one set with uppercase and lowercase letters and then also a set of images that can be used.  Sunshine loves to use the match up cards and play a memory game.

The possibilities of the Montessori Letters and Sounds Printable Pack Bundle are endless.  It grows with your child whether you're at the very beginning of your letter journey or have been at it for a while.  I seriously don't know what we'd do without it!

If you'd like to see how others are using the Montessori Letters and Sounds Printable Pack Bundle, check out the link below!

Special Focus on Montessori Letters and Sounds Work in Manuscript or Cursive from Living Montessori Now

For those who are interested in more language activities and printables for kids, be sure to subscribe to our free newsletter by clicking the link below.

Click HERE to Subscribe to our FREE Newsletter

The Montessori Letters and Sounds Printable Pack Bundle is available in print and cursive. Click on the images below to obtain your copy today!

If you enjoyed this post you may also enjoy the posts and resources below.

Read More »

Montessori Sensorial Materials: Number Rods and Red Rods

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.

Subscribe to our  FREE Newsletter

If you enjoyed this post, you may also enjoy the resources below.

Read More »