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Lentil Pouring

Incorporating Montessori Elements

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Lesson plan developed by Aurora Tollestrup, BS Ed

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Activity:  

Lentil Pouring
Practical Life Skills

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Age Group:

Preschool,
Special Needs

Lentil Pouring

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Objectives:  

• Students will apply fine motor skill practice to strengthen skills

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CDA Competency Standard:   

II.4.2a

• Activities and materials encourage children of varying abilities to develop their small muscles

a)    Individual fine motor skills are encouraged through a variety of developmentally appropriate materials and activities

Online Courses

Teaching Preschool Math Using Manipulatives  
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Use of Puppetry and Plays 
(3 hours / .3 CEU) 
Tuition: $31.50

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Materials: 

• Tray
• Lentils, beans, beads
• Small pitcher
• Small bowl

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Procedure: 

1. Fill one small pitcher with lentils, beans or beads.
2. Place pitcher and a small bowl inside of a shallow tray.
3. Give children a brief demonstration and explanation of how to pour the contents into the bowl slowly without spilled. Be sure to explain the purpose of this activity, which is to strengthen their fine-motor skills and to practice real-life skills.
4. Place the tray with contents on an appropriate shelf in your classroom for students to use independently.

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Assessment: 

• Observe and record any improvement in the child’s fine-motor skills with the pouring and handling of the contents on the tray.

* When students are able to pour the contents successfully, use a larger pitcher instead and continue to observe and record their progress.

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Montessori Basics

Maria Montessori was a pioneering educator, physician, and visionary in Italy during the late 1800s. She studied medicine and psychiatry, and was eventually selected as a co-director at a school for special education. During her time there, she was able to use her knowledge along with much scientific research and observation to develop a new method of classroom instruction. By 1910, the Montessori Method was a widespread success, and continues to this day, worldwide.

 

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