This month's 12 Month of Montessori topic was language. It was a little difficult for me to think of a language idea that I liked, because really the best was to develop your baby's language is expose your baby to language! Talk and talk and talk some more. Talk them through diaper changes, meal times, and play time.
This language book and treasure basket can help get the conversations started!
In this treasure basket, I included a DIY language book and several small, simple items. I used generic items so you can recreate the basket at home. I wanted an appealing mix that encouraged exploration and movement.
For a toddler, you might encourage matching a picture to an object, but here, I just wanted to explore the idea that things have names and we can talk about them.
I presented this basket like I would any other treasure basket, by letting Nora just discover it. Once she showed an interest I asked her if I could read the book. I read the book, which she listened to (she loves reading). Then, I handed her the book. She flipped the pictures, tasted the paper, and played with the objects. I talked with her as she played. "Look at the orange ball!" "That's the blue ring."
Nora has really enjoyed it! She loves paper, so the book was perfect for her. Plus the objects kept her interest. I look forward to keeping this basket on her shelf this month.
If you want to make a similar language basket for your baby, I've included a free printable! The printable includes all the pages we used and a blank page. You can use the blank page to write your child's name or to include a picture of one of you child's favorite things.
To make, print out the printable. Laminate the sheets if you want a little more protection. Cut along the black lines, hole punch and bind. I used a metal ring to bind the book together because I know Nora likes to chew on metal (gross!) and it's easy to grasp, but other bindings -- like a tightly tied ribbon -- will also work.
For your basket, just try to find objects similar to the book. Since this is not a matching activity they don't need to be the exact same. Put everything in a basket, and let your baby enjoy! And, just remember to keep talking!
12 Months of Montessori Learning!
This post is part of the 12 Months of Montessori series! Our theme this month is language, check out these amazing bloggers for Montessori language ideas for children of all ages!
