How We Montessori: 12 months

I wanted to share a little more about how I incorporate the Montessori method at home with little Phil.  Our current Montessori work is aimed towards kids 12-15 months.  It is so much fun to see how well they start to pick up on things at this age.  Today she figured out the word "head" and kept tapping my head, and then hers, it was like a little light bulb went off!  It's just the absolute best thing in the world.   Here is what's currently on our shelves!

Transferring Sticks

 I just added this one and it is a big hit- it was hard for me to take a picture of without her wanting to get at it! 

 3 Piece Puzzle- found here

 When setting the work up on the shelf, it makes a world of difference to set it up "un done".  My husband, who loves neatness and order, always like to put the puzzle away on the shelf completed, but it is much more attractive to the babes (and thus lengthening the time they will spend working with it!) to have the pieces separate. 

Shape Sorter- found here

This is a big hit, and used in a variety of ways.  Balls, animals, and the shape blocks usually find their way into the sorter, and are poured in and thrown out again and again.  

Wood Animals and Identifying Cards - ours are vintage, similar here

This one is a bit advanced for Ophelia now, but she loves the language of handing me the card for me to name the animal, the sensory of holding the animals and the cards.

Sensory Balls- found here, here, and some golf balls

 Another super big favorite.

Musical Instruments/ Shakers - Rainbow jingle, Red & Blue jingle bell, Panda shaker, maracas- (vintage), similar here, and rhythm sticks

Probably her current favorite!

Some current"shelfies" of her work areas:

Porch

Also pictured: stacking cups, Ikea pull toy, stacking rings (just the bottom two so it isn't overwhelming!), abacus

Play area:

Let me know if you have any questions about any of this! I love talking about it.