What you'll need: Shallow wooden box, or shoe box lidSalt, Sand, or SugarNumber and Letter Exemplars (Free Download)Printer & Cardstock Getting Started: In the classroom, you have likely seen that we use sandpaper letters to help teach letter and number form—a foundation tool for handwriting, math, and phonics.These cards are fairly common, and you can easily purchase a set online or make your own. However, a quick and easy DIY alternative is the introduction of a sand or salt box. This tool encourages students to begin independently forming letter and number shapes using exemplar cards. You can either use pre-purchased sandpaper cards, or print our free download with uppercase letters and numbers.Simply find a small, shallow box. We used a Melissa & Doug Lacing set box that had two built in compartments so that we could stand our letters up; but you could use two separate small boxes or a shoe box lid and stack cards to the side.Simply display your cards one at a time and have your child trace the shape in the sand/salt—demonstrating as needed—and practicing number and letter identification/sounds.Note: If you have access to a laminator, you can also laminate the cards and have your child trace them with a dry erase pen.   What it teaches: Number & Letter RecognitionNumber & Letter FormIntro to: Handwriting, Math, Phonics    

  What you'll need: Plastic Beads (For Younger Children: Large Wooden Lacing Beads)Pipe Cleaners (Alternative: Satin Craft Cord, or thick string) Note: Supplies can be found at your local craft store or Dollar Tree.  Getting Started: Bead Stringing is an activity from Practical Life which helps a child develop concentration, fine motor control, and the confidence that will beneift them throughout the Montessori classroom. Children can start this activity at a young age using oversized beads, such as the Melissa & Doug Primary Lacing Beads. As children gain better fine motor skills, and are at an age when smaller beads are appropriate, this DIY Montessori activity is a great one to try at home. Because Valentine's day is this week, we have chosen heart beads... but any color and shape will do.Simply set up your tray or activity area with a bowl of beads and pipe cleaners (whole or halved). Next guide your child through one of the following activities. Sort colors; threading beads onto the pipe cleaner so that all beads are the same colorThread by number; threading the correct number of beads onto a series of pipe cleaners (pictured, right)Create various patterns with the beads and explaining each to you Counting, color recognition, and patterns can all be discussed and built upon throughout each exercise.If you have some thick satin cord or string, your child may also enjoy extending their patterns to create a necklace for themselves, a friend, or teacher.   What it teaches: Fine Motor Skills: Grasping...

What you'll need: PaperPaints (water soluble, kid-friendly)Activity Worksheet Download Getting Started: Print these fun, spring themed fingerprint counting worksheets for an easy Montessori-inspired counting activity that you can do at home!Fingerprint counting engages multiple senses, introduces math concepts in a fun and memorable way, and is a hands-on learning activity that can be enjoyed by a wide range of preschool students.To get started: Prepare your child's workspace by protecting any surfaces that are likely to be exposed to paint.Prepare your child with an apron or smock to protect clothing.Introduce one set of counting activities at a time.Guide and be a part of the activity – counting or even painting with your child. Sometimes a little messy learning can be the most fun.Enjoy!   What it teaches: Number RecognitionCountingEarly Math ConceptsHand Eye CoordinationSpatial RecognitionFocus & Concentration

  What you'll need: Color Paperclips (Local grocery or office supply store)CMS Paperclip Shape WorksheetPaper   Getting Started: Easy to throw in your shopping cart on your next trip to the grocery, below are several activities that allow your preschooler to practice multi-tier learning with colored paperclips. CAUTION: Paperclips are a choking hazard. You should assess your child's readiness to use this medium of learning, and small children should be supervised.Activity One: Counting and Shape RecognitionUsing our shape worksheet, your or your child can cut out each shape. You can then guide them through:- Color and shape recognition- Counting the number of sides and fastening one paperclip per side to help cement the concept (Match the color of paperclip to the shape color)- Turn the shapes over to hide the title in order to practice shape recognitionActivity Two: Sorting and Pattern Making- Sort paperclips by color and count how many of each were in the container- Create paperclip chains practicing counting and pattern making.Activity Three:Practice letter and number forms be either having your child place paperclips over a handwritten letter/number, or (for those children who are already comfortable with letter and number forms) create the shapes independently.   What it teaches: Fine Motor Skills: Grasping & In-hand Manipulation SkillsShape RecognitionPattern RecognitionColor RecognitionEarly Math Skills