Say goodbye to disposable or plastic plates, and say hello to real plates and utensils! 🍽️ Yes, our little learners will now be handling and caring for real dishware, just as we do in our homes.

Why the switch? In line with Maria Montessori's philosophy, we understand that the best learning happens when children interact directly with their environment. Using real plates will not only enhance their sensory experience but also promote responsibility and respect for materials.

But that's not all! Our students won't just eat from these plates; they'll be washing them too! Dishwashing is an excellent opportunity for our children to learn about cleanliness, sequence, fine motor skills, environmental care, and even discover foundational concepts in science and math.

We are well aware of the possible slips and spills. But instead of seeing these as hurdles, we see them as valuable teaching moments. Lessons about caution, understanding consequences, problem-solving, and learning from mistakes are just as important as academic knowledge.

As we embark on this exciting new phase, we remain committed to providing our students with an environment that fosters independence, practical skills, and confidence. We firmly believe that the journey is as essential as the destination.

Here's to meaningful learning and the joy of practical life skills! 🎉🌿🌻

Engage:

Start the lesson by asking the students if they have ever made a sandwich or poured their own drink before. This will engage them in the topic and get them thinking about their prior knowledge.

Explore:

Next, provide the students with the materials they need to make a jelly sandwich and pour a cup of milk. This could include bread, jelly, a knife, a cup, and milk. Let the students explore the materials and try to make their own sandwich and pour their own milk. Offer guidance as needed, but try to let the students take the lead and discover on their own.

Explain:

Once the students have had a chance to explore, explain the steps involved in making a jelly sandwich and pouring a cup of milk. Break it down into simple, easy-to-follow steps, and demonstrate the process yourself. Make sure to emphasize safety precautions, such as using a knife carefully and holding the cup with both hands.

Elaborate:

After the explanation, let the students practice making their own sandwiches and pouring their own milk again, this time following the steps you explained. Encourage them to elaborate on their own ideas and approaches to making the sandwich and pouring the milk. Ask them questions like, "What other toppings could you put on your sandwich?" or "How could you make the milk colder?"

Evaluate:

Finally, evaluate the students' learning by having them share their sandwiches and milk with the class and asking them to reflect on what they learned. Ask them questions like, "What was the hardest part about making the sandwich or pouring the milk?" or "What could you do differently next time?" This will help you assess their understanding of the concepts and give you ideas for how to improve the lesson in the future.

Grade level: Pre-K to Kindergarten

Duration: 45 minutes

Objective:

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

• Sweep a designated area with a child-sized broom

• Set the table with utensils and a cup

• Pour a cup of tea into a cup

Materials:

• Child-sized broom

• Dustpan

• Tablecloth

• Plates

• Utensils

• Cups

• Tea kettle

• Pitcher of water

• Tea bags

• Tray

Engage (10 minutes):

1. Introduce the topic and ask students if they have ever helped their parents with household chores such as sweeping, setting the table, or pouring drinks.

2. Share with them the importance of learning these skills and how they can help in daily life.

3. Have a discussion about what they think they will learn today.

Explore (10 minutes):

1. Divide the class into three groups.

2. Each group will go to a designated station where they will learn one of the three skills: sweeping, setting the table, or pouring a cup of tea.

3. Have an adult or an older student demonstrate each skill and provide guidance to the students.

Explain (10 minutes):

1. Bring the students back together and review what they learned at each station.

2. Discuss the importance of proper technique and safety when completing these tasks.

Elaborate (10 minutes):

1. Have the students practice each skill in pairs or small groups, with an adult or an older student providing guidance.

2. Encourage them to help and teach each other.

Evaluate (5 minutes):

1. Observe each student as they practice and provide feedback.

2. Give positive reinforcement and acknowledge their efforts.

Extend (10 minutes):

1. Have a tea party where students can practice setting the table, pouring tea, and using their utensils.

2. Encourage them to use their new skills and enjoy a cup of tea together.

Grade level: Pre-K to Kindergarten

Duration: 45 minutes

Objective: Preschoolers will engage in a sensory activity by grating cinnamon sticks, developing fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and experiencing the aroma and texture of cinnamon.

Materials:

• Cinnamon sticks

• Child-sized graters or microplanes

• Child-sized trays or table mats

• Small bowls or containers for grated cinnamon

• Brushes or cloths for cleaning

Duration: Approximately 30 minutes

Procedure:

1. Engage (5 minutes):

   • Begin by gathering the children in a circle and introduce the activity by showing them cinnamon sticks.

   • Ask questions to engage their interest, such as "Have you ever smelled or tasted cinnamon before?" or "What do you notice about these cinnamon sticks?"

2. Explore (10 minutes):

   • Set up the work area with child-sized trays, graters, small bowls, and brushes.

   • Demonstrate how to hold the grater and scrape the cinnamon stick using downward strokes.

   • Invite the children, one at a time, to come and explore grating the cinnamon sticks independently.

   • Encourage them to observe the texture and smell of the grated cinnamon.

3. Explain (5 minutes):

   • Gather the children back in the circle and ask them about their experience grating the cinnamon sticks.

   • Discuss their observations, such as the aroma, texture, and the process of grating.

   • Explain that cinnamon comes from the bark of a tree and is often used as a spice in cooking and baking.

4. Elaborate (10 minutes):

   • Provide additional opportunities for the children to grate more cinnamon sticks.

   • Encourage them to experiment with different grating techniques or patterns.

   • Discuss possible uses for grated cinnamon, such as in recipes or as a natural scent for playdough or sensory activities.

5. Evaluate (5 minutes):

   • Conclude the activity by gathering the children together.

   • Ask open-ended questions to assess their understanding and engagement, such as "What did you enjoy most about grating cinnamon?" or "How did the grated cinnamon feel and smell?"

   • Provide positive feedback and praise their efforts.

Extension:

• Encourage children to explore other spices or ingredients with similar textures, such as nutmeg or ginger.

• Incorporate the grated cinnamon into a sensory play activity, such as a scented sensory bin or art project.

• Introduce a recipe or cooking activity that uses cinnamon, allowing the children to experience the flavor and aroma in a different context.

Note: Ensure adult supervision throughout the activity to ensure safety and assist children as needed. Adapt the lesson plan as per the individual needs and abilities of the preschoolers.