Color Matching Activity Cards: Not Just For Learning Colors

I was always so amazed as I watched my children "play" with these beautiful color match activity cards, it seemed like such a simple activity...a fun thing to do...a game. 

I knew that working with the cards promoted fine motor skills while they were learning their colors, but I was not aware that so many more things were going on in their minds while their little hands were happily matching and sorting. They were also gaining early math concepts, such as sorting, grouping, and pattern recognition.

Seeing the sense of accomplishment on their face as they identified and matched those colors is something I loved seeing. It was such a boost to their confidence. 

Visit www.insightfulbrain.com to grab a set for your child or classroom and watch their little minds work!

Mindfulness Lesson 1: Lessons of Grace and Courtesy - Table Manners

This week, our mindfulness goal is table manners. It was very tempting to try to correct everything in one sitting, however, I tried my best to just stick to one new goal each day and then add on another goal the next morning. It was hard and I had to bite my tongue a few times, but hopefully, the knowledge become more ingrained this way.

First, we reviewed how to set the table. We had this work before and the children had explored it till they tired of it, but now seemed to be a wonderful time to review it. This time, we talked about the placement of the plates and glasses and I had them to brainstorm why the placement of the dishes matter. I asked questions such as:
"Why should we wipe the table before setting the dishes on it?"
"Why do we place the plate closest to us and the glass on the other side of the plate- why not put the glass in front of us and the plate farther away?
"What is helpful about our placement of the silverware?"
"Why do we need napkins - why don't we just lick our fingers or wipe them on our clothes?"

The responses were funny at times.... I received everything from "cause you told us to" 
to "I put the fork close to my plate so no one else licks it" ... to finally we came to more realistic conclusions as to why we do things this way.

The mindfulness aspect really came into play as we placed each piece down on the table slowly, and with purpose... and taking the time to step back and reflect on our work. Too many times, I have rushed myself, or them to get the plates on the table quickly so we can rush and do the next thing....without stopping to appreciate the work we have done.

If you need the initial place setting lesson, My Montessori Journey has a beautiful post on this topic. 

If you have any mindfulness activities that you do with your children at school or in your home, please feel free to link up to this post! 



The Importance of Mindfulness

          The early years of my children's lives cannot be described as "peaceful." I had three children less than four years apart, while my husband and I worked opposite shifts. We wanted to be the ones who cared for our children - not strangers - that came with a price as all sacrifices do. 

          I have never been the most organized person and have a tendency to run "right to the minute." With three children, this can be quite stressful. I drove 40 miles away (which equated to 1 to 1 1/2 hour commute with traffic) with two small children while our baby stayed home with my husband - he worked nights. I would have to rush around in the morning, dress them while they nodded in and out of consciousness on the potty), and pack their breakfast in baggies so we could get to school by 7:00am. 

          I loved the Montessori method. I loved the works. I loved teaching at the school. I loved the freedom to explore interesting ideas, research them and share them with the class. Everything was important from the atomic theory to learning how to call a store and ask for product information. Every life skill was celebrated with equal importance. 

          The drive, the commute, the having to rush in the mornings to get to school and the afternoons to get home so my husband could get to work was effecting the children. I could see it. My oldest rushed through everything - just as I did and have a tendency to do. He is more high strung and anxious...traits of not being peaceful. Like many people, I wish I could turn back time and change pieces of the past - but that is impossible.

           What did I do? I resigned from the Montessori school and although it is not a perfect situation, I am using the Montessori materials I create on my website in my home. I had to forgive myself for not offering a peaceful environment those few years and know I did the best I could. I cannot change the past, but I can change my attitude now - today. I missed the mindfulness then, however, he is still young enough to accept the teachings with an open mind today. I am going to try not to miss my second chance.

           Over the next few weeks, I am going to bring back some of the traditional Montessori methods of mindfulness to our home. Some of these are going to include:

• Walking the line
• Smelling Exercises
• Sound Exercises
• Lessons of Grace and Courtesy
• Tasting Exercises
• Entering a room without disturbing others
• And more (I have pulled out my Montessori books and training manuals and are going back through them - it is like Christmas again seeing all the wonderful lessons!

I have also found a yoga for kids website that I am going to start with my children. It is called Yoga in My School. I am going to start small, so I do not get overwhelmed and quit - which is what tends to happen cause I want to do it all perfectly from the get-go and then get in over my head. I have to view it as a journey, not a race. I just keep repeating the quote from Maria Montessori: "Of All Things Love is the Most Potent." I may not have provided the perfect peaceful environment during their early years - but I provided love.

If you have any mindfulness activities that you do with your children at school or in your home, please feel free to link up to this post!