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Our February Parent Education Night is one of our favorites! We chose to do Journey and Discovery, which allows the adults to spend some time in the classroom and use the materials the way the children do. Though the preparation for this kind of evening is extensive, the reward is immeasurable. We enjoyed sharing the Toddler Community and Primary environment with the parents in this special way. The gift we offer is the opportunity to experience the classroom environment the best way we Montessorians know how - like the child. 
Each environment was carefully prepared with materials and cards for parents to use as they discovered the environment. 
Once the parents arrived, we discussed the format for the evening. First we began with a silent "journey" through each environment, together. Then, we would return to have a short discussion. After that, we offered the chance to work with specific materials in the Toddler and Primary environments followed by a closing discussion. 
Here, the parents are working in the Toddler community. Parents explored, observed, received lessons and helped each other. 
Matching kitchen utensils to the picture cards. This is a language material used to develop vocabulary as well as play several language games.
Toddler Cloth Washing. This work allows the child to wash the napkins used during snack and lunch. Toddlers love contributing to the community in this way!
Preparing for Banana slicing. In addition to allowing the child to make his own snack, this work develops hand strength, logical thought, and the ability to complete a work cycle.
Soon, we moved on to the Primary environment. 
Collaborating to do the Addition Blank Chart. This chart allows the child to 'check' him or herself on the memorization of addition facts 1-10.
Exploring the Trinomial Cube. The Trinomial Cube is like a 3-D puzzle that is also preparation for the algebraic formula (a+b+c)3.
Enjoying Metal Insets after observing a lesson. The Metal Insets are a direct preparation for writing, as well as an opportunity for creative expression. Over time, it is interesting to see how the child's work becomes more detailed.
Metal Inset work by one of our 5 year olds.
A lesson on the Geometric Solids, which allow the child to experience 3-D geometric shapes and the corresponding vocabulary. We have ten shapes, including sphere, cube, ellipsoid, cone, square pyramid, ovoid, rectangular prism, cylinder, triangular prism, and triangular pyramid.
Experimenting with all four Cylinder Blocks at once. The Cylinder Blocks develop the pincer grasp which is extremely important for writing. They also help develop discernment between width, height, and depth.
Working with Number Rods and Cards. The child matches the quantity with the symbol (the number) and also learns one-to-one correspondence when counting.
In our final discussion, parents shared what they thought of the experience:
"Our children are more capable than I had ever imagined!" "This cannot even compare to my schooling growing up. It's so much better." "I can see how Montessori will help my child throughout life." "I had no idea they were doing this much at school." “The environment must be rich in motives which lend interest to activity and invite the child to conduct his own experiences.” - Maria Montessori Be sure to register for our next parent education event on March 6, from 11:45-1pm. Lilian Bryan, AMI Trainer, will be talking about the 'Glorious Kindergarten Year' and the learning possibilities for the 5 year old in the Montessori classroom. RSVP Here Comments are closed.
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