My kids look forward to celebrating Chinese New Year every year.  It's one of their favorite holidays from around the world that we've introduced.  And what's not to love about it?!

We've taken time over the years to really dive into the study of Chinese culture in all subject areas.  These Montessori-inspired Chinese New Year Language Activities complement all of our other Chinese New Year Activities.

Before moving forward with our activities I wanted to mention that we have chosen to use the term Chinese New Year because these activities specifically focus on how the holiday is celebrated in Chinese culture.

The activities do not include a focus on other Lunar New Year celebrations around the world, especially those that do not take place on the same day.

Montessori-inspired Chinese New Year Language Activities

Whether you have preschool or elementary aged children in your Montessori classroom, there's something for everyone included!

Chinese New Year Zodiac Symbol Match Up Cards

Kids in our co-op thoroughly enjoyed this match up activity, playing it as a memory game.  They loved comparing the writing to the animal pictures.

For Sunshine, who wasn't quite ready for Chinese characters, we paired the animal cards up with the Safari Ltd Chinese Zodiac Animal figures.  She had a blast matching them up.

Source: The printables used for these activities come from the Montessori-inspired Chinese New Year Printable Pack.

Chinese New Year Symbol Match Up

This activity was a bit more challenging, but the kids loved it. It definitely tested the kids spelling and reading skills.  

The kids would choose to use either the Chinese characters or the animal picture cards. They would then match the cards to the words on the chart.

I provided them with a set of control cards they could grab when needed. These are not shown in the picture.

Source: The printables used for these activities come from the Montessori-inspired Chinese New Year Printable Pack.

Chinese New Year Nomenclature Cards

These traditional nomenclature cards help teach kids about the different aspects of Chinese New Year emphasizing vocabulary that they may hear and see.  

In our classroom they were used as nomenclature cards, but they can also be used as match up cards.

I just love the beautiful images displayed on these cards.  They are so bright and colorful!

Source: The printables used for these activities come from the Montessori-inspired Chinese New Year Printable Pack.

Chinese New Year Picture and Description Cards

The older kids who could read in our co-op enjoyed the Chinese New Year Picture and Description Cards, instead of the simple nomenclature cards.

As with all match up activities, the kids LOVED using them to play memory games with friends after the initial lesson and presentation.

Source: The printables used for these activities come from the Montessori-inspired Chinese New Year Printable Pack.

Chinese New Year Writing Strips

Sunshine is one who always loves writing activities.  Even before she could write on her own she craved tracing activities.  This activity was designed for her.  I laminated each card for multiple uses with a white board marker and she goes to town!

When it comes to older kids, this activity is great spelling practice!

Source: The printables used for these activities come from the Montessori-inspired Chinese New Year Printable Pack.

These activities combined with our other Chinese New Year activities and printables are sure to be a hit!  Our co-op kids LOVED them.  They learned so much about Chinese New Year while having so much fun.

Grab your Montessori-inspired Chinese New Year Printable Pack today!

For those who would like more holiday printables, including those for Chinese New Year, 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, especially those that include more activities included in the Montessori-inspired Chinese New Year Printable Pack.

Read More »

FREE Four Prompts to Encourage Mindfulness Visuals

In all our years with Sunshine at home, we've tried and tested so many different ways to help her calm and be mindful of her words, actions, and surroundings, before she escalates to unsafe and dangerous behaviors.  

If we can bring her back to the present moment, there is a chance that she won't go too far. One psychiatrist described her unsafe state as a behavioral seizure.  

Once she goes too far, there is no way to stop her. We just have to brace ourselves for whatever happens, with safety as the main priority, until she's done.

Out of all the ways we've tried and tested, the Four Prompts to Encourage Mindfulness have worked best.  We now have visuals to go with them!

After so much success at home, the four prompts of mindfulness were adopted at Sunshine's day program, where they saw the same success. 

When Sunshine was at her first RTC, staff used the prompts as well to help prevent escalations when possible.  

I've discussed the Four Prompts to Encourage Mindfulness in a previous post.  For all the details about how we use it, be sure to visit the post below.

Four Prompts to Encourage Mindfulness in Children

There is one thing is missing from the post above.  There are no visuals for kids who need that extra support.

Today I'm gifting these visuals to you.  

They are created in multiple forms to be adapted for every situation.  I hope you enjoy them as much as we do.  

4 Prompts to Encourage Mindfulness Visuals

 

The visuals have been created with bright colors and very animated faces that are pleasing to children.  Facial expressions are nonthreatening to promote peace and calm when used.

The goal is to introduce the Four Prompts to Encourage Mindfulness when the child is calm, so she can practice them with success.  

Then, in those moments when you need to use them, you can pull them out and the child is already familiar with them.  

Eventually your goal will be for the child to initiate the Four Prompts to Encourage Mindfulness on her own.  

We will have a set of the smallest size cards hanging on our refrigerator so Sunshine can grab them when she needs them.  Just the act of turning pages in a book is very soothing to her and will help in the process.

Directions on How to Obtain Subscriber Only Freebies

1. Click on the Subscriber's link at the bottom of this post.

2. Subscribe to our free newsletter.

3. Open the thank you message you receive in your e-mail, after subscribing. (Be sure to check your spam folder, as sometimes it ends up there.)

4. Click the confirmation link in the thank you message.

5. Once the confirmation is complete, you will receive another e-mail message with the Subscriber Only Freebies.

6. Click on link.

7. Find the printable pack you are looking for listed in alphabetical order, click on it, and voila!

We hope you enjoy your free printable.

Note: If you are already a newsletter subscriber, open your most recent newsletter. At the bottom you will find a link to the Subscriber Only Freebies page, along with the password in case you forgot it.

Click HERE to Subscribe to our FREE Newsletter

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

 

Read More »

Understanding place values can be a tricky thing.  There's so much to understand and remember. Even when a child masters the skill, if they don't practice it often, the knowledge can be forgotten.

Because there is so much to learn and remember, some children struggle to grasp place value concepts. This can slow their math journey tremendously.  

Montessori materials can help significantly in this process, but even then there are some skills that can be overlooked.  When it comes time to dive into more difficult math skills, gaps become apparent and need to be filled in.

For all of these reasons and more, I created the FREE Montessori Place Values Printable Pack

FREE Montessori Place Values Printable Pack

The FREE Montessori Place Values Printable Pack provides three different ways to practice place values.  

Montessori Place Value Chart & Numbers

The first resource is a Montessori Place Value Chart.  

Cut out the numbers that correspond with the chart (on the very next page) and have students practice writing them, placing the numbers in the correct place value boxes.  

If you would like students to write out numbers in expanded notation, there is plenty of room to do that.

I have created more than enough number cards to use for the chart so that students aren't writing the same numbers over and over again.  

In our classroom we laminate the chart and have kiddos use erasable white board markers.

Montessori Place Values: Words to Numbers

The second activity provides students the opportunity to practice reading numbers written in words. Students are then expected to write them in number form in the space provided.

We laminate these cards and use erasable white board markers so they can be used again and again, saving paper.

Controls are provided so children can check their own work independently.

Place Values: Numbers to Words

The third and final activity provides students the opportunity to write out numbers in words, to match the number given on each card.

Students must have a knowledge of place value vocabulary and know how to write and spell the words in order to complete this activity. Controls are provided as an extra support.

Once again, in our classroom we laminate these cards so they can be used again and again.

Printables are designed to correspond to Montessori decimal materials.  If you have the materials available, their use is recommended.

If you don't have Montessori materials, they are not necessary.  

If you're not using a Montessori approach, you are more than welcome to print resources in black and white and they work for everyone!

The Place Values Printable Pack is a Subscriber's Only Freebie. Follow the directions at the bottom of this pot for your free copy.

If you're working place value concepts in the classroom, you may also enjoy our FREE Montessori Expanded Notation Printable Pack!

FREE Montessori Expanded Notation Printable Pack

The FREE Montessori Expanded Notation Printable Pack is a fabulous way to practice place values as well. It works beautifully with Montessori materials, but like our other resources, can be used without them.

If you're looking to go farther in your study of place values and expanded notation be sure to check out our FREE Montessori Expanded Notation Printable Pack 2.

FREE Montessori Expanded Notation Printable Pack 2

The FREE Montessori Expanded Notation Printable Pack 2 goes beyond numbers through 9,999. It focuses on numbers all the way through 999,999,999 for those who feel they're ready for that.

It is a fabulous resource to introduce larger numbers in the elementary classroom.

Directions on How to Obtain Subscriber Only Freebies

1. Click on the Subscriber's link at the bottom of this post.

2. Subscribe to our free newsletter.

3. Open the thank you message you receive in your e-mail, after subscribing. (Be sure to check your spam folder, as sometimes it ends up there.)

4. Click the confirmation link in the thank you message.

5. Once the confirmation is complete, you will receive another e-mail message with the Subscriber Only Freebies.

6. Click on link.

7. Find the printable pack you are looking for listed in alphabetical order, click on it, and voila!

We hope you enjoy your free printable.

Note: If you are already a newsletter subscriber, open your most recent newsletter. At the bottom you will find a link to the Subscriber Only Freebies page, along with the password in case you forgot it.

Click HERE to Subscribe to our FREE Newsletter

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

Read More »

In the Montessori preschool setting, children work with numbers through 9,999. 

Montessori elementary students work with numbers through 999,999,999.

When learning expanded notation, it's extremely important to have students practice numbers through 999,999,999 so they can get used to the language, and feel more comfortable with the large numbers in general.  

For many students, learning and working with such large numbers is extremely exciting.  It's all about the big picture!

To aid in the process of learning expanded notation with large numbers, I've created the FREE Montessori Expanded Notation Printable Pack 2.

FREE Montessori Expanded Notation Printable Pack 2

The FREE Montessori Expanded Notation Printable Pack 2 provides three different ways for students to practice number skills.

There is a set of 24 clip cards where students select the number that matches the expanded notation provided.

Next is a set of 24 cards where students can practice writing the expanded notation for each number provided.

Last students can utilize 24 nomenclature style match up cards. 

We use all three activities in our classroom to ensure mastery of the skills, and provide a variety of learning opportunities to ensure that all students' needs can be met, no matter their learning style.

These printables can be used with Montessori materials, or on their own.  

All numbers are in Montessori colors, but you can choose to print everything out in black and white if you prefer.

The Montessori Expanded Notation Printable Pack 2 is a Subscriber's Only Freebie, for your copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post!

If your students aren't quite ready for the FREE Montessori Expanded Notation Printable Pack 2, why not try the resource below!

FREE Montessori Expanded Notation Printable Pack

The FREE Montessori Expanded Notation Printable Pack is designed for children in Montessori preschool and elementary classrooms and focuses on numbers 0-9,999. 

It's the perfect introduction to place value and expanded notation concepts and works beautifully with Montessori decimal materials. 

If you're looking for even more resources to help teach place values, be sure to check out another resource below!

FREE Montessori Place Values Printable Pack

The FREE Montessori Place Values Printable Pack is a fabulous way to help students understand how to write and read numbers 0 through 9,999. 

It is designed for use with Montessori decimal materials and uses Montessori colors.

Directions on How to Obtain Subscriber Only Freebies

1. Click on the Subscriber's link at the bottom of this post.

2. Subscribe to our free newsletter.

3. Open the thank you message you receive in your e-mail, after subscribing. (Be sure to check your spam folder, as sometimes it ends up there.)

4. Click the confirmation link in the thank you message.

5. Once the confirmation is complete, you will receive another e-mail message with the Subscriber Only Freebies.

6. Click on link.

7. Find the printable pack you are looking for listed in alphabetical order, click on it, and voila!

We hope you enjoy your free printable.

Note: If you are already a newsletter subscriber, open your most recent newsletter. At the bottom you will find a link to the Subscriber Only Freebies page, along with the password in case you forgot it.

Click HERE to Subscribe to Our FREE Newsletter

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

Read More »

We've noticed that though we've presented math concepts, practiced them, and mastered them previously, sometimes kids just forget. A review is in order.  Such has been the case with numeration concepts.

As we're working on multiplying and dividing large numbers, some of the kids have forgotten how to read the numbers in the problem.  It's our hope that this FREE Montessori Expanded Notation Printable Pack will be the perfect review and build their skills back up.

This printable pack can also be used when introducing expanded notation, not just for review.

FREE Montessori Expanded Notation Printable Pack

The FREE Montessori Expanded Notation Printable Pack is designed to help kiddos build numbers 0-9,999.  It can be used with the gold bead material or without it.

All numbers are colored to coordinate with Montessori materials, but if you prefer not to use the colors, printing in black and white works great too.

What I love about this printable pack is that it provides three different ways to practice expanded notation.  

If you have a kiddo who doesn't like to write and prefers being given answers to choose from, the clip cards are perfect!

If you have a kiddo who enjoys writing, the second activity included is sure to be a hit!

If you're looking for classic nomenclature style work or a match up of sorts, the third activity is for you.

I love using all three, because I can be sure that the skill is mastered no matter how it's presented.

You can receive your copy of the FREE Montessori Expanded Notation Printable Pack by following directions at the bottom of this post. 

If you're looking for expanded notation resources that go a little bit further, be sure to check out the resource below.

FREE Montessori Expanded Notation Printable Pack 2

The FREE Montessori Expanded Notation Printable Pack 2 is everything that the first printable pack is but with numbers all the way through 999,999,999.

It is perfect for Montessori elementary students who are ready to go bigger!

Whether you're looking to introduce numbers to children or just review, this printable pack works great!

If you aren't ready to go bigger, but are looking for more resources related to the Montessori decimal materials, be sure to check out the printable pack below.

FREE Montessori Place Values Printable Pack

The FREE Montessori Place Values Printable Pack is perfect for those who are learning to say and read numbers up to 9,999.

Just like the others, this printable pack uses colors that correspond to the Montessori decimal numbers. This is a fabulous way to put in extra supports for those who need them.

My kids loved it!

Directions on How to Obtain Subscriber Only Freebies

1. Click on the Subscriber's link at the bottom of this post.

2. Subscribe to our free newsletter.

3. Open the thank you message you receive in your e-mail, after subscribing. (Be sure to check your spam folder, as sometimes it ends up there.)

4. Click the confirmation link in the thank you message.

5. Once the confirmation is complete, you will receive another e-mail message with the Subscriber Only Freebies.

6. Click on link.

7. Find the printable pack you are looking for listed in alphabetical order, click on it, and voila!

We hope you enjoy your free printable.

Note: If you are already a newsletter subscriber, open your most recent newsletter. At the bottom you will find a link to the Subscriber Only Freebies page, along with the password in case you forgot it.

Subscribe to Our FREE Newsletter

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

Read More »