Montessori Basics 6: Essentials of a 6-9 Classroom
I’ve actually posted this info before, but now I’m adding it to my “Montessori Basics” series, plus I’ve added some helpful links at the end of the post.
Essential General Equipment:
1. Sturdy table or open floor where work can be done
2. Shelves for holding the work
3. Work rug and a table mat (placemat)
4. Clipboard, writing paper, and sharpened pencils
5. Plants or artwork for the school area
6. A pet for the child(ren) to take care of
Essentials for Language:
1. Pink, blue, & green series materials
2. Word study materials
3. Movable alphabet
Essentials for Math:
1. Addition strip board, charts, & equations
2. Subtraction strip board, charts & equations
3. Box of bead bars (the largest you can afford)
4. Large & small number cards
5. Math symbols (+, -, x, รท, >, =)
Essentials for Geometry:
1. Geometric solids
2. Plane & curved shapes cards
3. Basic geometry nomenclature cards
Essentials for Botany & Zoology:
1. Living/non-living cards or objects
2. Vertebrate nomenclature cards (mammal, bird, fish, reptile, amphibian)
3. Botany nomenclature cards (plant, flower, root, seed, fruit, leaf)
Essentials for History & Geography:
1. Land & Water Form nomenclature (with definitions)
2 Globe & Continent map (or puzzle)
3. Parts of the Earth cards
4. Calendar and seasons work
Essential Teacher Tools:
1. Comprehensive List for 6-9
2.Montessori R & D 6-9 Albums
How to use these essential materials:
1. What Can You Do With the Language Basics?
2. What Can You Do With the Math Basics?
Lori – I noticed that the Geometric cabinet wasn’t on your list for 6-9 or 3-6. Why isn’t it one of your picks? I look forward to your answer as this item is currently on one of my “lists for purchase” and I could use some advice. I love your blog and find the information here very helpful!!! Thanks! Jennifer
The Geo Cabinet is definitely important – but I wouldn’t consider it to be essential. Keep in mind that I was recommending the bare minimum in these posts, not the ideal.
There are other, much less expensive ways to teach shapes in 6-9; for instance, nomenclature cards. I found that I used the Geo Cabinet much more in 3-6. Just my opinion!
whAT about art? can some one make that?
Art is very important; anyone can easily add it to any age classroom. This series of posts was meant to deal specifically with Montessori materials. See these posts for more art info.
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