Since it's summertime and Nora (very newly 4) is home full time, I have put a few new materials on her shelves to catch her attention and interest! These are things that support the work she has been interested in at her Montessori school, or has shown interest in here at home. As always, they are a combination of a few DIYs and some toys. Not featured is her play farm which is still what she plays/works with more than anything else. She also spends a lot of time working in our art area.
Here's a look at what's on Nora's shelves this summer:
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Butterfly Matching: This is an easy DIY where Nora matches each half of a butterfly to make a whole. This work isn't particularly challenging for her anymore but she likes it. I got the printable here from Eltern vom Mars, one of my favorite Montessori blogs.
DIY Spindle work: As I mentioned before, Nora loves the spindle boxes at school but I didn't want to buy one just for a short amount of time. Instead I made one with toilet paper tubes (hot glued together), craft sticks, and ribbon. We're still working on collecting enough tubes to get to 9 but she really enjoys this work.
Framed Puzzle: This puzzle (this scene is vintage and puzzle was found in a thrift shop) is really hard for her, but Henry likes it so she insists it stays on her shelves. Nora can't do it independently yet, but she and Henry frequently work on it together. Nora also likes this one which I have rotated in and out. I don't think the challenge of the collaboration is a bad thing, so I've left this one for now.
Numbers Board: This double sided numbers board has been a big hit for awhile. On one side Nora can place small beads for each number. On the other, she can trace each number with a stylus. It's been a popular choice for many months and won't be leaving our shelves for awhile.
Memory Game: This is a small wooden animal themed memory game. We have a few different versions of this game that I have been rotating on her shelves. This particular game is vintage and I found at a thrift shop. But it's similar to this game; this game is another great alternative. This fantastic basket comes from here.
DIY Dropper Work: Combining fine motor skills, art, and science, this work has been a huge hit. Each dropper contains diluted food coloring that can be combined on paper towels. Nora and Henry have both used this continuously.
Wooden Tangram Puzzle: This small puzzle is perfect for both using as a puzzle and for creative building. Nora loves the idea booklet that came with the Grimms set, but any tangram (here; here) would produce similar effects when used as an open ended building tool.
Summer Playdoh: I made some homemade playdough and added a variety of shells. A simple basket of work but Nora has really enjoyed and created so many things with it!
Pattern Blocks: This is just a set. I have limited the number of boards she can use to just a couple. This isn't her favorite work, but she does use from time to time.
Vintage Puzzle: This vintage puzzle is so fantastic. The pieces are thick and wooden and the scene is charming and inviting. I found this at a consignment sale and Nora LOVES it! Sadly, it's hard to find new puzzles that are made as well as this.
Sandpaper letters: I have brought these out for the summer so Nora can continue to work on her letter sounds. Sometimes we pair these with small objects or often she just traces them.
And, that's about it! With a limited selection of materials, Nora is free to concentrate and repeat work until she is ready to move on. In addition to these materials, we have open ended art materials, some blocks, and a dollhouse. Plus, the bulk of our time we are still doing practical life, gardening, or just playing outside!
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