Incorporating Montessori Elements

Ocean Lesson Plans

Ocean Songs, Poems, and Action Rhymes

Summer Lesson Plans

Sand Tray Prewriting

Lesson Plan:

​Activity:

Sand Tray Prewriting

Lesson plan developed by Ms. Erika Geelhoed, BA Ed

Age Group:

• Preschool
• Special Needs

* Lesson plan objective and assessment can be adapted to use this activity with school-age children.

*Note: This lesson is designed to be used many times and can be a helpful classroom tool for many adapted lesson plans and work.

Objectives:  

Children will:

• be able to apply prewriting skills in preparation for letter and number writing.

Sand Tray Prewriting

Sand Tray Prewriting

CDA Competency Standard:   

II.3.2a

• Developmentally appropriate materials are available

            a) Materials are developmentally appropriate for all children, including those with special needs
            d) Materials are organized and accessible to children throughout the day

Materials: 

• shallow tray or wooden box
• light colored sand
• cards with prewriting lines and letters to be imitated

Procedure: 

To create the materials:

• Pour the sand in the tray or box
• Create cards with thick wavy lines, shapes, or letters on thick white cardstock.
  
• Laminating the cards is advisable.
• Place the sand tray and cards in a larger tray and place on a low shelf in the classroom.

For the lesson:

• Give the children a brief demonstration on how to use the sand tray responsibly.
  
• Children should carefully use their fingers to trace the shapes, lines or letters on the cards into the sand.
  
• To “erase” they can gently shake the tray.
• Be sure to explain to students the purpose of this lesson which is to practice and apply their prewriting skills.

Assessment: 

• Observe and record the children’s sand tray writing. Assess their ability to create specific lines and shapes to imitate the card lines and shapes.

Extension:

• When the children are able to copy the cards easily, replace the cards with letters, short words, numbers, simple addition problems, etc. This lesson can also be used for teaching cursive writing for school-age children.

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Independence in the Montessori Classroom

Children are often capable of more than they are allowed. Certain preconceived notions may inhibit a teacher’s comfort level with independence for the children in his or her care. One of the simplest ways to incorporate Montessori elements in program planning is to first begin with setting children up for success with independent habits.

Some examples:

• Adapt the environment. Place coat hooks near the door and at eye level for the children. Provide step stools for hand washing. Ensure that learning materials are easily accessible for all children.Create routines. Teach the children to take their coats off and hang them up themselves each time they enter the classroom. Do not do it for them. If they forget, simply give them a gentle reminder.
  
• Create consistent routines for all children to adhere to. They will know what comes next and how to adapt and will make positive choices.
• Facilitate. Give students small crumb sweepers and dust pans to clean up their mess. Keep scissors and sponges on the lunch table for older children for cutting bags of snacks and cleaning up lunch spills.