Teaching Time for Toddlers--Montessori Based Activities

I have been introducing Catherine to various activities that (at the very least) stem from the Montessori method.  Most recently we've been practicing pouring and scooping both water and beans (not at the same time, of course!).

She very diligently used the ice cream scoop to get all of the water from the green bowl to the metal bowl.  I was prepared for quite a mess (there is a cookie tray underneath the towel) but she spilled very little--even the first few times!  As much as she enjoys the scooping, right now her absolute favorite activity is the toothpick and "salt shaker" work.  Instead of a salt shaker we just use the toothpick jar, which is very similar to these:

Source: Amazon

There is one small hole in the lid for her to slip the toothpick through.  I thought it was amazing how quickly she improved while doing this.  At first she was very shaky and it took a couple of tries to get the toothpick in the jar, but eventually she became quite adept.  (Another great version of this work can be found at My Child-Centered Life!)

(Disclaimer: I will be the first to say that I don't know a whole lot about the Montessori method.  

It is something that interests and intrigues me and certainly deserves a place in our home.  

These are just things that I've done.)

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