Maria Montessori is an Italian educator and doctor who suggested using a lot of sensory games to develop the senses for educating children. Didactic classes according to her methodology were held in specially organized rooms for preschool children. Groups were recruited of different ages so that older children could help the kids complete tasks. The main stake was placed on the independence of the child in finding the right solution.
Children had to find answers and work with the material through trial and error, without prompting from an adult. Guidance is allowed indirectly, you can discuss the problem together with the kids. The games were not imposed on the children, but were located in the room on the shelves, and the children independently chose those that they liked.
The basic principle of the method of Maria Montessori was reduced to the complete freedom of the child and autodidacticism, that is, the baby taught himself, development went its own way, without coercion and imposing their opinions by adults and teachers. The acquisition of knowledge was not a priority, the main thing was the development of motor skillshands and fingers, the activity of the child, the ability to concentrate and the desire to help comrades.
Starting from the first half of the 20th century, this technique had both many fans and opponents who completely rejected the theory of learning of the Italian teacher. However, interesting and vibrant games have taken root all over the world and still delight children, although in many countries they are used under the guidance of adults.
In the article, we will consider the material that Maria Montessori came up with - frames, inserts, didactic games aimed at sensory education of preschoolers. Let us explain their developmental significance for children, how you can play with such toys. We will tell you how you can make this material yourself at home.
Box with figures
Consider one of the popular Montessori frames, made in the shape of a box. The kit contains several geometric shapes of different colors, and in the lid of the box for storing them there are holes that correspond to the shape and size of the parts. The child must correctly pick up the figure to the hole so that it freely passes and falls into the container. If the kid does not understand the task and will put the part in the wrong hole, then he will not succeed. According to reviews, by trial and error, the child will cope with the task on his own.
Such Montessori frames are put on sale with various figures, and not necessarily with a box. It can be flat plywood, in which recesses are made with a jigsaw. Such a game can be completely made independently from a densecardboard, cutting through the figures with a clerical knife. For brightness, paint each detail in different colors. While working, the child will not only remember the name of the geometric shapes, but also learn the colors. This game can be used in drawing, because dense details are great templates.
Game "Dress the figures on the rods"
Geometry within Montessori is quite common. Consider another didactic game that kids love. The set consists of triangles, squares, rectangles and circles in 4 different colors. There are holes in these details, and each figure has a different number. The child must correctly put the figures on the rod by counting the rods or the number of holes.
You can diversify the game by inventing different tasks. For example, lay out all the yellow details first, then the red ones, then the green ones, and finally the blue ones. According to teachers, often children use the material of the game for design, laying out different pictures on the table. In such a game, not only the mental abilities of the baby are developed, but also the creative inclinations.
Game "Put in order"
The next Montessori frame also consists of different geometric shapes, but they are laid out in descending order of size. All figures are painted in the same color, since the main attention of the child should be on recognizing the size of the part. To understand the correctness of the task, the baby must lay them out in front of him and compare them in pairs.
For convenience in the gamesmall “handles” are made on each part so that the baby can easily take out and insert the figure into the hole. It is also convenient to use such forms as templates during drawing or application.
Additional tasks
According to parents, it is interesting to come up with tasks using the material of the game. For example:
- put on the table in one row a large square, a small triangle, a medium-sized circle, etc.;
- spread the pieces into piles - first all the big ones, then the smaller ones, etc. until the smallest ones;
- do the task: put the smallest circle in the center, the largest square on the right, the smallest triangle on the left, the medium-sized circle on top, and the smallest square on the bottom, etc.
Montessori "Frame Insert Game"
The next type of frame in the method of the Italian teacher is not just geometric shapes. Each form is divided into thin strips and consists of separate frames, which are laid out in the holes in ascending order. The child needs not only to insert a figure into a certain hole, but first to fold it on a table of several elements. The task becomes more difficult, so this game can be given to children who are already doing well with the previous tasks.
As in other games, every detail can be used as templates for drawing. It is interesting to design with elements from Montessori frame inserts by collecting pictures on the surface of the table.
Surprise game
Love itfor kids, according to parents, an educational game with a surprise. In a wooden frame, recesses are made, consisting of two compartments. On top are inserted halves of chicken eggs of various sizes, behind which chickens are hiding. To make it easier for the child to identify the chick, its outlines are printed on the bottom of the hole.
This is an interesting game that develops the eye, teaches how to make a whole from parts, compare objects by size, develops logical thinking, memory, attentiveness.
Frames with Montessori clasps
The next game is radically different from all those described above, as it is made of fabric and consists of two halves assembled on fasteners.
There are 12 frames in total, each with its own clasps. These are "zipper" and lacing, large and small buttons and buttons, safety pins and Velcro fasteners, hooks and straps, bow ties and fastexes. It is difficult for young children to master self-fastening of clothes, often dressing ends in tears. This game develops the skills needed in everyday life. Fine motor skills of hands and fingers, dexterity of movements develop. It is convenient for the child to do the work, he sees the mistakes well and can correct them on his own.
The fabric used for the frames is selected in different colors, so the child repeats the colors and their shades during the game. The kid calmly, without coercion, remembers the sequence of actions and the movements become automatic.
Games with your ownhands
It's easy to make all didactic games and Montessori frames with your own hands, just choose the material and have basic tools for work. Frames can be made from plywood, fiberboard, wood or thick cardboard. To work with wood, a manual or electric jigsaw is useful, and you can cut holes out of paper with a clerical knife.
Frames with various fasteners are sewn from fabric on a sewing machine or by hand. It is not necessary to make all 12 frames, it is enough to choose the most common fasteners in children's clothes - buttons and Velcro, "snake" and buttons. For lacing, you can prepare a foot shape cut out of fiberboard or plywood with holes for the rope.
Knowing the principle of sensory education in the games of an Italian teacher, you can easily make all the manuals for developing your child's skills at home.
