What Is an Invitation to Play? A Complete Guide for Busy Moms (Inspired by Montessori and Reggio Emilia)
An invitation to play is a thoughtful arrangement of open ended materials that gently calls your child to explore. Here is what it actually is, where it comes from (Montessori plus Reggio Emilia), why it works, how to set one up in 5 minutes, examples by age, common mistakes, and answers to the questions every parent asks.
What Are Clothespin Cards? A Parent’s Guide to This Simple Learning Tool
How We Use Counting Cards
One of the questions we hear the most from parents and teachers is: "I love these cards, but how do I actually use them?"
The answer is one of our favorite things about counting cards. There is no single "right way" to use them! Counting cards are one of the most versatile math tools you can have on your shelf, and the best part is that your child will show you new ways to use them that you never even thought of.
Today we're sharing all the ways we use our Nature Counting Cards at home. Whether you're a homeschool family, a classroom teacher, or a parent looking for a simple screen-free activity, we hope these ideas spark some inspiration (and some great counting practice too!).
How To Use Montessori Inspired 3 Part Cards
Montessori style 3 Part Cards consist of cards separated into 3 parts. The first card contains both a picture and label. The second card has only a picture and the third card is just the label.
This activity builds vocabulary, but also acts as a tactile learning activity. By manipulating and arranging the information as the child see fit, information is retained and internalized. The presence of the “key” card allows for children to complete self-checks and reinforces independent learning.
Moon Phase Wooden Coins
You can find these Moon Phase Cut-Out Coins in my mini unit called The Moon and its Phases. For use with the unit you don’t have to affix them to wooden coins, but in doing so you can create something your child will use again and again.
We use our Moon Phases Wooden Coins to count, to stack, to order, and along with our Moon Phases Montessori 3 Part Cards.
Montessori Must-Haves
These are the items we use several times each week, if not daily. We are not a strictly Montessori family, but we are Montessori-style. So don’t freak out if some of things items are completely traditional materials. My husband’s job has us move fairly frequently, so schools, and learning styles, and standards tend to change. What I like about Montessori-style learning is that is goes with us.