Sewing

The progression of sewing continues.  This week we put out sewing on a line on fabric.  The child takes the threaded needle and begins to sew along a line.  The fabric is folded so at the end they see how they have attached two pieces of material. 

We plan on sewing a pillow by the end of the year which should be quite exciting!

Measuring

The children have done a lot of baking this year and really enjoyed putting the ingredients into the mixing bowl.  We decided to have measuring on the shelf as a way to practice leveling off the dry ingredient. 

The children scooped a measuring spoon into the flour.  They almost always ended up with an overflowing spoon.  We gave a lesson on how to use the flat end of a small dull knife to "level" off the spoon.  We plan on adding more spoons with cards so the children can practice specific amounts.

Carrot peeling

In the food preparation area this week we had carrot peeling.  The children chose a carrot from the bowl and took the tray to a table.  They peeled the carrot away from their body.  Once the carrot was peeled, they cut off the ends with a dull knife.  This was interesting as the ends tend to pop off and may land on the ground.  We have had many enthusiastic carrot eaters and some who prefer to ask others, "Would you like a carrot?" and share with their friends. 

Another practical life skill!

Gazing at the clouds

              During outside time I noticed two children laying on the ground pointing at the clouds. 

Here is what I heard... "That one looks like South America!"  "That one is Australia!!"  and on and on!
                                                         These absorbent minds!  Wow!

Mother's Day Gifts

Happy Mother's Day!
To all of our wonderful mothers!  Hopefully you have unwrapped your gift that your child made for you!

We decided to use our previous knowlege of paper making to make brooches for our Mother's Day gift.

We first made paper. (see previous blog on how to make paper)  We used two small molds to pour the paper pulp through, on in the shape of a flower and one a leaf.  These then dried overnight.

The next day the children glued the pieces together then added small "jewels."

A teacher then hot glued the fastener to the back.

The children wrapped them the next day!

Thank you to all of our amazing mothers!!

The Butterflies Emerge

The butterflies hatched! 
One day we saw the upper part of the chrysalis become very light in color.  We said good morning to the children and looked at the chrysalids again... there was a butterfly!  This was very exciting for the children to see! 

We prepared some sugar solution.  3 teaspoons of sugar mixed with one cup of water.  We added this to some cut flowers so the butterfly could have something to eat.

That afternoon another butterfly emerged.

We made sure to feed the butterflies!

The following day we decided to let the two be free in their "natural habitat." Some of the children were sad but others thought it was a good idea for them to be in their own home!

The children waved goodbye!! 

Now we notice all of the butterflies when we go outside!

The children were able to witness the entire metamorphosis except the egg stage. They know so much about this process from observing, creating their own life cycle crafts and books and listening to us read them many fact based books on the life cycle of a butterfly.
                                                      Dr. Montessori would be proud!

Metamorphosis of a caterpillar

Several weeks ago we received 5 caterpillars or larvae to hatch in our butterfly habitat.  The children did not see them as eggs but were able to see them as tiny caterpillars.

 They watched them grow into really big caterpillars by eating the special food at the bottom of the container.

 Once they grew really big, they make their way to the top of the container and attach themselves by their 'girdle' in preparation for becoming a chrysalis. 

Overnight, they changed. 

The children could not believe their eyes.  If you do this at home or with your class, make sure no one touches the container during this process.  Three of five seemed to make it into a chrysalis.  The other ones were incomplete with only a part of their bodies changing. 

The afternoon children then helped to remove the chrysalids from the container and pin them to the inside of the habitat.

Now, we wait!  Once they emerge, we feed them with sugar water and let them go!

This has inspired many children to make a life cycle of a butterfly book.

We also had an activity where the children are able to create the life cycle with glue and pasta (and a few other things too.)

We can't wait to see the completion of this metamorphosis!