4th of July Montessori Unit Study

Below, are links for a complete unit study on the upcoming 2015 4th of July. These PreK and K-10 links will lead you to articles, hands-on activities and other exercises that are compatible with the Montessori classified reading cards, grammar, creative writing, art, social studies and other extensive lesson plans.

Visit July 4th Montessori Unit Study for details.

Below, are links for a complete unit study on the upcoming 2015 4th of July. These PreK and K-10 links will lead you to articles, hands-on activities and other exercises that are compatible with the Montessori classified reading cards, grammar, creative writing, art, social studies and other extensive lesson plans .

Montessori Classified Reading Cards and Other Aids to Learn About the 4th of July

Presidents of the United States – Pictures to Color- Compare and Contrast
(Make a Book)
Presidents of the United States – Matching Picture Exercise
Annie’s 4th of July Symbols & Things Page

4th of July Language Lesson Planning for Elementary and Middle Students

4th of July Word Searches – Easy Difficulty
4th of July Word Searches – Medium Difficulty
More 4th of July Word Searches – Easy Difficulty
More 4th of July Word Searches – Medium Difficulty
US and State Capitals Crossword Puzzles
July 4th Independence Day Vocabulary Puzzles and Exercises
Middle School 4th of July Extension Exercises
AMC Holiday Montessori Grammar Bingo and Extension Exercises
Write Your Own Books – For K – 3rd Grade(Part I)
Write Your Own Books – For K – 3rd Grade (Part II)

Science and Social Science Lesson Planning for Elementary and Middle Students

Colmpare and Contrast the 4th of July With Other Holidays/
(Scroll down until you see El Gito de Dolores vs 4th of July)
Declaration of Independence Biographical Information
The Declaration of Indpendence – Key Historical Figures, Study Questions and More
Secondary Level
The Declaration of Independnece
Multi-disciplinary Lessons for Elementary Students
America the Beautiful
Multi-disciplinary Lessons for Elementary Students

Additional Extension Exercises – Let’s Write, Discuss and Talk About the 4th of July Holiday

Middle School 4th of July Extension Exercises
Conduct an Interview with the President!
Annie’s 4th of July Symbols & Things Page in Spanish
Visit American Montessori Consulting and look under New and Notable for other unit studies.

4th of July Links to Party Ideas, Recipes, Safety Tips and More…

Montessori 4th of July

Some of the unit studies and articles you will find include:
A Maria Montessori Movie Worth Seeing
Gardening Year Round – Tips from an Expert
Montessori Service Community Projects
Healthy Nutritional Tips for 21st Century Families
AMC Holiday Montessori Grammar Bingo and Extension Exercises
Apples and Oranges – Links for Montessori Unit Study
Study of the Human Respiratory System – Links for Montessori Unit Study
Medical Terminology – Links for Montessori Unit Study

Visit http://www.amonco.org/montessorijuly4th.html for details.

Heidi Spietz
American Montesori Consutling
http://www.amonco.org

Sizzling Summertime 2015 Lesson Plans

SUMMER KITE FLYING

Learn how to make and fly a kite in your neck of the woods.

Planning a trip to Southern California? All the fun is not necessary had at the amusement parks. Take a side trip to Seal Beach, a quaint beach town, that has much to offer. While there, you won’t want to miss the monthly Seal Beach Kite Club meetings. Click here to see what the city of Seal Beach has in store for you and your family. Then, venture to Hobby City for some additional free hands-on fun.

GO AHEAD….MAKE SOME MUSIC THIS SUMMER

Learn how to make a band in minutes. Yes, you and your children can make a coffee can drum and yogurt container shakers by following the easy instructions provided by Kidsongs.com.

Montessorian Dale Gausman will show you how to make and introduce rhythm sticks in your school and home classrooms. Click here for details.

The Blow Ye Winds , Paddle Wheeler and Erie Canal – and Wabash Cannonball are free extension activities from the guide written by Dr. Kathryn A. Short, for Kimbo’s CD release: “Songs About America,” Celebrating America Through Song.. See Kimbo for details.

Download The Number Eating Alligator from Kidsongs.com and discover how these songs can be incorporated into your ECE and elementary math and music lesson planning. Click here for details.

Marjorie Kiel Persons presents two marvelous integrated lessons for your summer music presentations. – Water Music Alla Hornpipe by George Frideric Handel. and Oh, How I Love Italy ? Music, Art, and Food seasoned with History and Geography See Click on this link to access both lesson plans.

EASY, BREEZY, SIZZLING SUMMER RECIPES

Dale Gausman, owner of the North American Montessori Center, shows how children can plan, prepare, and execute a Spring or Summer Tea. Dale’s Friendship Salad makes a perfect addition to the Spring Tea menu or any other event planned for the upcoming months. Click here for details.

Encourage children to try making some new recipes this summer! Make lunchtime interesting by including some rollie poultries and stuffed apples into your meal planning. See http://www.amonco.org/summer7/montessori_summer7.pdf

Learn how to present an authentic Montessori food unit study featuring the yummy Watermelon Blueberry Banana Split recipe.

DIanne Knesek, Montessori teacher and owner of Conceptual Learning, shares a mouth watering Summer Fruit, Cheese, and Meat Kabobs recipe. Visit this link for complete information

Planning a unit study about pirates? Try these three pirate snack ideas – Treasure Chests, Pirate Ships and Cannonballs, all of which, can be easily integrated into any pirate unit study. Click here to access the recipes.

For a festive change, create your own hot dog buffet and serve some fudge cupcakes for dessert. Then, cool down your lazy afternoon with some delicious green smoothies. http://www.amonco.org/summer7/montessori_summer7.pdf

SPECIAL MOTOR SKILLS OFFERING

Are you looking for an additional aid to help inspire good penmanship? Nan Barchowsky may have just what you need. Check out A Bit of Yarn for Good Pen Hold http://www.amonco.org/summer2/montessori_summer2.pdf by clicking here.

SUMMER SCIENCE

Begin the summer science learning adventure with hands on fun. Children will discover how to change the color of a flower and how water travels up plants by participating in the Changing a Flower’s Color activity submitted by Dale Gausman. See http://www.amonco.org/summer6/montessori_summer6.pdf for details.

John, from Exploration Education, presents an excellent, fun-filled simple and effective activity about static electricity is for children six and up. Click here for details.

Invite children to vicariously go on an animal safari! To access resources for a unit study, visit http://www.amonco.org/summer7/montessori_summer7.pdf

Children marvel at identifying the different birds that they encounter at the park, beach or even in their backyard. Find out how Backyard Birds can be incorporated into your ornithology presentations by visiting http://www.amonco.org/summer5/montessori_summer5.pdf

Rae, from Creative Process, shares a leaf print activity that combines the study of botany with art. To access this information, visit http://www.amonco.org/summer4/montessori_summer4.pdf

Richard, from the Montessori Materials LORD Company, is offering FREE reading books, and a Montessori land and water labels http://www.amonco.org/summer7/montessori_summer7.pdf

Easily create a seashell unit study. Quickly locate links to seashell classification materials and other resources by visiting http://www.amonco.org/summer/montessori_summer1.pdf

GARDENING GALORE

Summer gardening can be especially meaningful if you plan ahead. A Gardening Unit Study (With the Focus on Summer)Montessori Lessons will provide the info you need to customize your garden lesson planning. Find the gardening resources and lesson plans now, so that you embark on your summer gardening journey when late May arrives.

In Nurturing Budding Botanists – Learning and Teaching the Basics of Plant Science, author Sara L. Ambarian has provided the indepth botany lesson planning information and resources needed Click here for details.

MONTESSORI MATH

Receive some free hands-on algebra exercises designed by Dr. Henry Borenson See Hands On Equations for details. Check out DIanne Knesek’s Montessori problem solving lessons by clicking here.

GAME TIME!

What type of learner is your child? Mariaemma, from Coaching for Learning Success(tm), has the resources you need to discover the answer to this question, plus she has generously contributed her Basketball and Whole Body Memorizing Activity. Access this information, as well as The Whole Body Learner – Gifted for Moving! article by visiting Click here for details.

Stillsonworks offers more unique puzzles designed for middle school students. Try your hand at the free exercises included by clicking here Access additional FREE puzzles for children/teens by visiting http://www.amonco.org/summer7/montessori_summer7.pdf

Be sure to check out the cooperative games by Rae from Creative Process. (Click here for details.)

THIS and THAT…. Additional unique, creative lesson planning info.

Rae from Creative Process generously has provided the following free activities], articles, and lesson plans: Calendar Activity, Teacher as Curator : Setting up a School Gallery and Sharing Food, Food in Art? Access this information by clicking here

Are you taking your class on a literature journey? Why not start with the classics. Let Rita Arpaia of literature.com show you how. Point your browser to http://www.amonco.org/summer6/montessori_summer6.pdf Read Rita’s other articles and learn more about how literature.com’s resources for your school and homeschool libraries.

Sara Ambarian has written a two part article which will further help you with your selection of children’s books. In http://www.amonco.org/summer2/montessori_summer2.pdf Part I of her article, you will learn about the books selected by the AMC resource participants.

In http://www.amonco.org/summer4/montessori_summer4.pdf Part I read about community recommendations. This balanced article is sure to help you select just the right books for your school and homeschool classrooms.

If you would like to view the complete table of contents of the newsletter, or you have experienced any difficulties accessing the links above, please visit http://www.amonco.org/montessori_summer_handson.html

Now, with these fun activities, recipes and lessons, you are set to make this summer the best yet!

Heidi Anne Spietz

Let’s Celebrate Summer

Please visit https://montessori21stcentury.wordpress.com/2013/06/05/lets-celebrate-summer-part-i/ to access the updated 2013 version! 🙂

Heidi Anne Spietz
www.amonco.org
American Montessori Consulting
Celebrating 25 Years of Serving School and Home Educators
Montessori for the 21st Century

Learning is a Picnic!

Part One– Preparation, Refreshments, and Safety

“The first duty of an education is to stir up life, but leave it free to develop.” Maria Montessori

With warm weather and summer holidays from the traditional school year approaching, many of us start looking for ways to enjoy ourselves outdoors.  A perennial favorite summer pastime is picnicking; and with some forethought, you can plan an outing that is both recreational and educational!

Planning and preparation–

Children of all ages can help with both planning and preparations for a picnic. These activities help children practice important daily life activities, and they also give them a sense of involvement in and anticipation of the event.

Generally speaking, you will need to consider the date, the time, the location, your mode of transportation, the number and ages of participants, the menu, and activities in which you might participate during the outing.  You will also need to think about the equipment and supplies you will need both for transportation and service of the food and for the comfort and safety of the participants. 

Keeping a running list of items to buy and/or pack to which you can add things as you remember them can be a big help.  If your students help you pack, you can have even early readers find and check off each item on the list as they carry it out to the car, put it in the picnic basket, etc.

For ideas about picnic planning, check out “Year-End Activities: A Family Picnic” from Dale at North American Montessori Center http://www.amonco.org/summer/montessori_summer1.pdf  and these other resources.

http://www.everythingmom.com/activities/picnic-ideas-how-to-plan-a-picnic.html, http://www.eatingoutloud.com/2009/06/how-to-pack-plan-a-picnic.html, http://www.keepyourcooler.com/planning-the-perfect-picnic.html

Refreshments—

Part of the fun of a picnic is loosening up the routines of more-formal meals. Jaye from Creative Care craft kits is completely in the spirit of both picnicking and Montessori daily life exercises with her self-serve Hot Dog Buffet. She also suggests a great carry-around dessert, Grandmother’s Oatmeal Cookies. Find them both here: http://www.amonco.org/summer7/montessori_summer7.pdf

Tara from the Lord Company shares a make-ahead main dish recipe, Rollie Poultries. http://www.amonco.org/summer7/montessori_summer7.pdf These tasty treats are easy to transport and serve cold, but could also be re-heated in foil or a dutch oven, if your picnic plans will include a campfire or barbecue grill.

Another fun hands-on recipe to make before the picnic is Summer Fruit, Cheese and Meat Kabobs. http://www.amonco.org/summer2/montessori_summer2.pdf  This simple, but appealing snack from Dianne at Conceptual Learning provides an opportunity for even very young children to participate in meal preparations. (For the youngest kids, consider shorter toothpicks/skewers to suit both their shorter attention spans and their less-developed dexterity.)

Diana from Nature’s Workshop Plus! provides a sweet and nutty carry-along dessert with her Stuffed Apples recipe. http://www.amonco.org/summer7/montessori_summer7.pdf

Lois Scarbrough appeals to the chocoholics in your picnic party with Fudge Cupcakes.  http://www.amonco.org/summer4/montessori_summer4.pdf

For a backyard picnic, try Kathy O’Reilly’s Watermelon Blueberry Banana Split. This recipe wouldn’t travel well, but it includes great ideas for student involvement and expanded study and discussion for a schoolyard or backyard picnic setting. http://www.amonco.org/summer2/montessori_summer2.pdf

Getting dirty is part of the fun of picnicking, so how about bringing along some homemade cinnamon rolls with lick-your-fingers icing, like these from Larry of Farm Country General Store? http://www.amonco.org/summer7/montessori_summer7.pdf

Have an adventurous crew attending your picnic? Check out Fun Felt’s pirate-themed snack recipes. http://www.amonco.org/summer6/montessori_summer6.pdf

Need more picnic food ideas?

Check out these Independence Day recipes from Sara L. Ambarian. http://www.amonco.org/ambarian4thofjuly.html

Make finger food a learning experience! You can use this fun alphabet sandwich idea with cold sandwiches just as easily as with the suggested grilled cheese.  http://www.grandparents.com/gp/content/activitiesandevents/kids-crafts/article/grilled-cheese-alphabet.html

Here is a cute gallery of picnic food recipes great for visually-oriented picnic planners. http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/picnic-gallery-889045/view-all

You’ll find some wonderful, simple recipe ideas here, in the UK Guardian newspaper’s article, “101 Picnic Recipes: Ready in 20 minutes or less”. http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2008/aug/17/recipe.beef  Not only are the recipe ideas interesting and inspiring, learning the British terms (like “beetroot” and “aubergine”) and spellings offer students another layer of learning.  These suggestions are especially appropriate for older students and enthusiastic, creative budding chefs, because only ingredients and basic preparation instructions are included.  No measurements are provided, which allows you and your student(s) to experiment with taking a recipe concept and designing your OWN recipe.  Exercises like these in the kitchen are invaluable to young cooks, because they tap into thought processes and creativity that following a specific recipe does not.  They also allow for additional record-keeping and analysis.

Safety—

Introduce some kitchen science concepts for older students by reviewing these picnic food safety guidelines. These are both great overviews from university food departments—the first short and fairly simple, the second more in-depth for your more scientifically-minded students. http://www.extension.iastate.edu/foodsafety/consumers/index.cfm?articleid=153&parent=1 http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/foodsci/ext/pubs/picnic.html

If your picnic plan includes a campfire, be sure to review some basic fire safety guidelines with your students before you go.  This list of rules from a Canadian Girl Guides leader is excellent (and she has some other great outdoor fun ideas, as well)! http://dragon.sleepdeprived.ca/songbook/firerules.htm

Check back to this blog next week, to read the second part of this two part article.

However, before you point your browser to another website,  glance to the right of this page, to check out some of the current top posts on the Montessori for the 21st Century blog..  🙂

Montessori 2011 Summer Hands On Lesson Planning is Here!!

Just released! Click on the hyperlink to view the new

2011 AMC Montessori Summer Hands On Newsletter

Table of Contents

Part I

Up, Up and Away – The Art and Fun of Kite Flying
Classified Seashell Activities and Resources
Make a Band
Coffee Can Drum
Yogurt Container Shakers
Wind Chime Keys
Math Equations Activity
IT’S A WRAP – Making Beautiful Gift Boxes
Mother’s Day in the Montessori Classroom
Discovering the Tradition of the Dragon Boat Festival
Making Rhythm Sticks
Friendship Salad
Spring Tea

Part II

Hobby City – Fun for Free This Summer
Classified Seashell Activity Exercises
Stalactites and Stalagmites
Summer Fruit, Cheese and Meat Kabobs
Inequalities – Pre Algebra Lessons
Basketball and Whole Body Memorizing Activity
Watermelon Blueberry Banana Split
A Bit of Yarn for Good Pen Hold
A Page for the Letter O
Unit Study of the Nervous System

Part III

How to Play the Kazoo
Static Charge Science Activity
Floating Needles
Invisible Leash
Art for the Garden
Recipe for Onion Pie
Activities for Celebrating ‘America Through Song’
Special Summer Food Fun – Word Puzzles for Middle Schoolers
Celebrate the Letter “B”!
Bicycle Boogie
Body Sounds – A Fun Musical Activity
A Gardening Unit Study (With the Focus on Summer)
Nurturing Budding Botanists (Learning and Teaching the Basics of Plant Science)

Part IV

Lesson Plan for the Water Music – Alla Hornpipe
Oh How I Love Italy – Music, Art, Food Seasoned with History and Geography
Notable Teachers
Leaf Print T-Shirt
Calendar Activity Ideas
Teacher as Curator – Setting Up a School Gallery
Sharing Food, Food in Art
Tree Name Word Puzzle
Draw Your World Swan Lesson Plan

Part V

Recipe and Craft from Cantemos
Chocolate Dance
Squiggly Worm/Gusanito (Finger Play and Recipe)
Octopus Napkin Holders
Great Craft Idea for Father’s Day
Cooperative Games
Vignettes ~ Stories About Renaissance and Impressionist Artists
(Botticell, Fra Angelico, Leonardo, Michelangelo, and Raphael)
Classic Nature and Outdoor Adventure for Kids and Families

Part VI

Three Recipes ~ Treasure Chests, Pirate Ships and Canonballs
Gardening Activities for the Summer Months
Gingerbread Muffins by Montessori Teacher Cathie Perolman
Changing a Flower’s Color by Montessori teacher Dale Gausman – NCME
Making a Simple Friendship Bracelet by Montessori teacher Dale Gausman – NCME
Bicycling for Education – Part I
Bicycling From Gettysburg Battlefield to Washington D.C.
A Trip to the Aleutian Islands
Article/Lesson Plan ~ Howls With Owls
Article ~ Taking your class on a literature journey?

Part VII

Working with Notations – A Math Activity
Fun With Language Links
Free Reading Activity
Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Farm Country’s Cornbread Recipe
Green Smoothies
We’re Going Places (Literature Resources – Dr. Seuss)
For Teachers and Parents – A Must Read Article
Interdisciplinary Math and Music Activity for
ECE and Elementary Children
Middle School Word Puzzles
Let’s Go on an Animal Safari!

Enjoy!
Heidi Anne Spietz
http://www.amonco.org

Montessori Summer Programs News and Resource Links

A Sampling of Montessori Schools Offering Montessori Summer Learning

Unique Montessori Summer Program in OC California

Highland Park Montessori – Summer Activities

Brooklyn Heights Montessori School Summer Programs

Waves of Wonder – Info about Summer Program

Summer Montessori Lesson Planning Ideas

From NAMC – Montessori Summer Activities: Woodworking

North American Montessori Center (NAMC): Montessori Education: Language Arts to Engage Your Students Throughout Summer

MONTESSORI LESSONS -A Summer Gardening Unit Study

AMC Montessori Summer Hands On Newsletter

Montessori Summetime Links

Enjoy!

Heidi Anne Spietz

http://www.amonco.org

New Sizzling Summertime Montessori Creative Lesson Planning

Visit https://montessori21stcentury.wordpress.com/2012/04/19/sizzling-summertime-2012-lesson-planning/ to access the new 2012 edition!

New Montessori Spring/Summer Newsletter Uploaded – Everything from Ground Hog Day to the 4th of July

I just completed revising the AMC Montessori 1999 Spring/Summer Newsletter. This issue is packed with lesson information – from Ground Hog Day to the 4th of July. As you know, Ground Hog Day is just days away now, so read the newsletter today, to get important lesson information you can use, starting this week.

Find additional Montessori lesson planning information for Valentine’s Day, Lincoln, Washington, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, Passover, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and 4th of July by visiting AMC Montessori 1999 Spring/Summer Newsletter.

Be sure to see my other post about the revised AMC Montessori 1998 Spring/Summer Newsletter as well.

Enjoy! 🙂

Heidi
http://www.amonco.org