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Saturday, January 26, 2013

Biology: Into the Forest Food Chain Game

Into the Forest Food Chain Game




(Amazon affiliate link - Google the game to find a cheaper version - I think we paid $12 or so??)


In this game, children utilize cards noting what animals eat and what they are eaten by; playing them in particular order to earn energy points. Death and Decay trump all, recycling nutrients back to the plants.

Simple to start, with SO MANY variations!

The artwork on the cards is nicely done in a nice style (think Jan Brett's books - that style in regards to coloring)

Use in conjunction with the Montessori biology albums - both primary and elementary Montessori - to learn and challenge one's knowledge of the interdependencies of nature.

Monday, January 21, 2013

Foreign Language: French

http://participassions.servhome.org/


ParticiPassions






An example of a site with downloadable Montessori language materials, in another language. This one is French and has simply *beautiful* materials!


Tuesday, January 15, 2013

History Writing Lessons

http://www.excellenceinwriting.com/catalog/history




This book is advertised as being intended for those who have done the IEW training; but in a Montessori home or school, with a child studying ancient history (they also have options for Australian, Medieval, and US History, but we've not seen them yet), it is a great resource for the child to use himself (it is written to the child).

The first two lessons are on poetry; from there it goes into Sumerians, Rome and Greece and more, with essays, summaries, narratives, critiques, research reports, writing from pictures and creative writing. I personally love the Appendix - there is a list of "banned words" such as good/bad and lists of "alternate words" to replace those bland, banned words.

A good deal of language arts rules are taught and reinforced, with a variety of writing styles, all tied into an intense interest of most elementary children.

The guide can be used by most Montessori elementary children who are confidently reading, are ready to write more than a grocery list at a sitting, and perhaps have already done a lot of historical studies - this can be used a follow-up later, as review. I would suggest age 8 and above; and it is written to accommodate up to middle school. It is likely too simplistic for a typical 15-18 year old (although struggling writers of that age might like it as a boost into writing skills!).

The children read and do the lesson themselves, then bring their writing to the adult for review; they then create a second or final draft and add illustrations.

In a Montessori fashion - a lesson a week or a lesson every two weeks could be included in the work plan, with adult-child developed modifications when/where/if needed. Or the child could run through several of them in a week, depending on how much time and interest there is.

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Music: Homeschool Ideas

http://www.homegrownlearners.com/home/tag/10-days-of-teaching-music




This homeschool mom has some great ideas for Lego work within the homeschool - but almost better yet, she has some great music resources!

ETA: How to incorporate music in your homeschool in 2013

Friday, January 4, 2013

Human Geography: Book samples





This organization publishes fantastic books to "share the joy of reading".

They offer a variety of books for purchase, for oneself or to send on to libraries in African countries for people of all ages to learn to read.

One of the books we recently received from a friend who had recently traveled to Ghana is David's Day at the Mine by Deborah Cowley, photos by Kathy Knowles.

The reading is ideal for new readers looking for something solid to read - a step above the popular-in-Montessori-environment Rookie Readers - and VERY appropriate for the early elementary foundation work in Human Geography. The story we received focuses on the people involved in the process of mining as well as the process itself. In the Human Geography Montessori work, we strive to focus on the people involved in the process and this book makes it VERY real.

I cannot find this book on their website, but perhaps an e-mail inquiry might bring it up ;)

The company is based in Canada, so Canadian Montessorians will even better enjoy the books that cover the differences and similarities of life in Tanzania and Ghana compared to life in Canada; but all cultures I think will find these books of interest.

Human Geography work is a precursor to the Economic Geography work.



Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Language: Book-Making


Big Book of Books and Activities by Dinah Zike







This book is a fantastic resource for books and displays of just about any kind. Want to make a lapbook or a display or just make some booklets in a variety of styles? This book is straight-forward enough that lower elementary can browse it themselves; upper elementary can easily extrapolate their own creations and adults can assist with all ages from primary on up.


Children love to create and what better way to give them a variety of ideas than by exploring ways they can use paper to display their work in a variety of ways!?