Category Archives: practical life
1800s Day
1800s Day is a McGuffey tradition where the Primary and Lower Elementary classrooms go back in time. All modern materials are put away, leaving only items they would have in the 1800s. Other than toilets, they do not have access … Continue reading
Sewing stuffed creatures
As part of our practical life curriculum, our Lower Elementary students are spending time each week learning to sew. Third graders have been working on designing and crafting their own stuffed animals and dolls. They put the final touches on … Continue reading
Posted in Lower Elementary, McGuffey, practical life
Planning their week
Although the first graders had work plans in Primary, they are getting used to how to manage their more complicated Lower Elementary work plan. When they received their first work plan, they were paired with an older who student who … Continue reading
Posted in Lower Elementary, McGuffey, practical life
Leaf piles to keep and share
Last week Lower Elementary gathered rakes and wheelbarrows so they could build leaf piles for jumping. Our big tree out front has finally dropped most of its leaves, so it’s the perfect place for raking. Half the class worked to … Continue reading
Posted in Lower Elementary, McGuffey, peace, practical life, Primary
Don’t You Forget About Breakfast Club
On Wednesday the Upper Unit brought back a fun experience from last year: Breakfast Club! A group of students planned “breakfast for lunch”, went to the grocery store and did the shopping, and prepared and cooked a meal for their … Continue reading
Posted in cooking, McGuffey, practical life, upper unit
Practical Life
The purpose of Practical Life in a Montessori classroom is to help the child gain control of her movements and build independence. These works appeal to Primary-aged children who can often be heard saying, “I can do it!” Practical Life exercises can … Continue reading
Posted in practical life, Primary
1800s Day!
A few weeks ago the Primary and Lower Elementary classes went back in time. We took a trip back to the early 1800s, a time without most of the modern conveniences we enjoy today. Throughout the day, students have a … Continue reading
Posted in Lower Elementary, McGuffey, practical life, social studies
Lower Elementary Prepares Birdhouse Gourds
Students in Lower Elementary have been busy preparing birdhouse gourds for next year’s incoming Grade 1 students. This is a tradition that began last year in our classroom. All students participate in the process: planting birdhouse gourd seeds in the … Continue reading
Posted in art, community, Lower Elementary, McGuffey, practical life
Planting the Garden in Lower Elementary
A handful of students in Lower Elementary planted their classroom’s gardens yesterday. This was part of a combined Science and Practical Life unit that has been ongoing for the past month, and has seen students selecting which seeds they … Continue reading
Posted in Lower Elementary, outside, practical life, science
More Fun in St. Louis
It’s our second full day in St. Louis with the Middle School students, and the major attraction of the day was the City Museum: “Housed in the 600,000 square-foot former International Shoe Company, the museum is an eclectic mixture of … Continue reading
Posted in field trip, Middle School, outside, practical life
