Practicing

I've been subbing three days, and have introduced: Knitted balls as turn-taking sequence (this idea really works), knitted balls for a version of Duck, Duck, Goose ( needs only two balls at a time, maybe?), Box 2 (popular, and hard for children to press pin into solid if demo'd with string already on scaffold. Would pressing it upside down work, I wonder?), and Box 7 tiles. With these, matching to their embroidered felt labels is a work in itself. We need laminated cards or else larger felts to hold enough for collection before returning to the box (this will be the key to tallying, when we get there). The tiles are popular, of course - they are so very beautiful. B (5?) concentrated 20 minutes, so focused my comments drifted over his head like clouds. M ( 4) made rhythmic patterns, killing time while waiting for the 100 board so she could make a rubbing. M (3) made "a swimming pool", and graciously hosted the other two, who gradually joined in, though I'd initially said it was "one person work" with "watchers" allowed, while I sat there. But they were all appropriate with the pieces, and focused, so I told them three were doing fine and could continue.

Next: get out Gifts 3 & 4, as many as we have, and do group lessons.

Montessori added to the environment: 1:1 (popular, and needed - 3's can count well verbally, but without matching to fingers) Zoophonics (popular, kids are ready to say each other's names with alternate consonants), object boxes put with sandpaper letters (need more cafeteria trays), and large number tracing.

Idea for next week: try making a topographical map of the pink tower out of cardboard. Match the tiles and sticks to the drawing sequences book C (5) had out - it's got to be in the language area somewhere. 

Update, April 20
That idea didn't happen - maybe over the summer. I'm planning to have an analog adult work table, where I will demonstrate projects to adults and children in the afternoons, and then sit and work silently on my own projects, artist in residence style. I'll wear a hat to indicate when not to talk to me. I'll hang the sign I made, I Thrive On Quiet. Mornings I'll do the admin end.