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Nomenclature Cards

Preschool Space Activities : Part 2

August 31, 2017

So I’ve been dying to ask, “Did you try out any of the Preschool Space Activities introduced on Monday?” I have a dear friend who tried making the planet magnets yesterday and even though they ended up pretty lopsided (she was ready to call them a fail!) her kiddos LOVE them! She called me this morning and couldn’t believe how much fun her little girl was having. She kept asking her the names of the planets and then going around the house looking for things they would stick to.

If you’re having a little trouble remembering the planets yourself, then today is your lucky day! I’ve designed a new set of space themed Nomenclature Cards. I also have a fun new sensory bin and a constellation activity. Let’s jump right in!

Space Themed Nomenclature Cards

If you’ve been hanging out at Nugget & Goose for any amount of time you’re already very familiar with my love of Montessori nomenclature cards. I don’t see myself ever leaving them out of a tot school unit. If you aren’t already familiar with them, this handy post will explain everything you need to know about how to use them and why they are so fantastic.

This set of space nomenclature cards consists of 27 unique images and covers all of the planets in the Safari Ltd Safariology Solar System, as well as many of the objects in the Safari Ltd Space TOOB The images are all high quality photographs that are sure to attract your child’s attention. But since this is starting to sound like Ad copy I’ll get straight to the good stuff: how to play with them!

I found that this set of nomenclature cards worked really well in conjunction with the clay planet magnets and play mats I mentioned earlier this week. Nugget really enjoyed when I showed him a nomenclature card with a planet, and then he could find the corresponding magnet to hold up. If you really have it together you could use the images on the cards as your guide to make the clay planets. Then they would match quite a bit better than my own 🙂

I have also used the cards with Goose to play several learning games. I allow him to independently match the cards to their corresponding Safari Ltd. pieces which he always enjoys, and then once I feel confident in his vocabulary I ask him to play sorting games where he finds all the cards with a ‘M’ sound etc. He is really on the cusp of reading so phonics games are great at this age! A final game we play is what I call the ‘story game’, he uses the cards as prompts to tell a story. So for example he might have to make up a story about Neptune, a lunar rover and a space chimp. I try to record these when he tells them because they always crack me up!

Would you like to download your own free set of Space nomenclature cards?

Of course you would! Why waste your valuable time making what I already have? This set of cards and many others are all available for free in my Digital Resource Library. All you have to do to get access is join with your email address below.

Space Themed Sensory Bin

Here is another way to use the Safari Ltd. figures I mentioned above, and best of all it’s EASY! All you need is a few tablespoons of black water beads (and a few clear as well if you have them). Pour the beads in a small bin and submerge in water overnight. When you wake up you’ll find a glistening bin of plump black water beads ready for play! I buried all of our Safari Ltd. figures and prompted Nugget and Goose to go on a ‘deep space scavenger hunt’!

I still have to watch Nugget pretty closely with these beads because they look a little too food-like for my comfort. They have a particular tendency to bounce so if one escapes from your bin you may never find it (but I guarantee if there’s a toddler in your house they will find it the minute you turn your back.) … Or is that just Nugget? 🙂

Flashlight Constellations

I feel like so much of what we learn about space can feel very abstract. We tell our children about these far off planets and colorful nebulae but they can’t really see it and experience it themselves. Spending time outside star gazing is a fantastic way to bridge this gap and create a connection for your kids. If you live out in the country you’re absolutely golden (and I’m super jealous!) but for the rest of us there are usually parks or even a planetarium that you can visit to help your child get close to the cosmos.

I created this activity to teach my boys about constellations. It doesn’t require too much preparation and even my nephews who are in 5th grade enjoyed this activity! So gather your supplies and then check back in the comments to let me know how it went.

Supplies:

1 basic flashlight (with batteries of course!)
a few sheets of black construction paper or card stock
piece of foam or cutting board
small hammer
Golf Tees (or for an older child, nails)
White, Silver or Gold pen
A Rubber band

Instructions:

Begin by cutting your construction paper into circles the same size as the end of your flashlight.
Use your pen to draw dots where the stars should be to form a constellation. Label it, if you wish. You can search google for constellation ideas, or use the ones I’ve provided below.
Place the stack of constellations, golf tee or nail, and hammer on a tray beside the piece of foam. Invite your child to place a constellation on the foam. Use the hammer and tee to punch holes where the stars are.
Once your child is finished punching out constellations, attach one to the end of the flashlight and secure with tape or a a piece of cellophane. Turn down the lights and let your child shine the flashlight against the ceiling so the constellation shows up.

Extension Activities:

Provide some blank pieces of paper and allow your child to draw his or her own constellations to punch out.
Discuss the shapes and stories behind the constellations, for example you could share the Greek myth of Hercules.
Ask your child to create their own myth and design a corresponding constellation
Take your constellation flashlight outside at night and try to find the constellations that they made (big dipper etc)

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Montessori

The Ultimate Guide to Montessori Nomenclature Cards

August 23, 2017

Have you heard of Montessori Nomenclature Cards? Once an obscure term only found in Montessori classrooms, these cards have gained in popularity in recent years. These cards are an easy and affordable way to enhance your child’s education. Today I will tell you a little about the history of nomenclature cards, what they are, how to use them and why they work so well. Best of all, if you make it to the bottom of this post I have 3 free sets of nomenclature cards available for download! So let’s dive in!

History of Montessori Nomenclature Cards

Like most Montessori materials, nomenclature cards were pioneered by Maria Montessori, the founder of Montessori education. The word nomenclature comes from the Latin word nomenclatura which means “assigning of names”. This is very apt because the primary purpose of these cards is teaching children the proper names for objects in the world around them. The earliest nomenclature cards featured simple line drawings created by hand. The reasons for this style were twofold. First it was the easiest and most accessible method of production in the early 1900’s when Maria Montessori was pioneering her Montessori Method. Second, she believed that a simple image provided less distractions thereby allowing the child to focus solely on the vocabulary word being featured.

It’s important to note that many traditional Montessori nomenclature cards teach the parts of plants and animals. This can make finding the right image difficult. For example, if you wish to teach the word ‘stamen’ an image of a stamen alone might be too abstract, but an image of the entire flower might not adequately show which part the term ‘stamen’ refers to. In this scenario a simple drawing in black and white is the perfect tool. Several cards can feature the same basic drawing, with a different part colored on each card. Over time the cards have evolved with modern technology. One school of thought today is that a photographic image is superior to a drawing. I believe that when you are teaching broad concepts (i.e. bear, mountain, Nebula) this is true. However, as stated above, if you are teaching specific components of an object then an isolation drawing is usually best.

What Are Nomenclature Cards??

In the simplest terms nomenclature cards are simply flashcards that feature an image at the top and the name of the image at the bottom. I have seen them come in several sizes although the most common size is 2.5″ x 3.5″. Often laminated for additional durability, these cards are easy to make and surprisingly popular with children.

How Do I Use Montessori Nomenclature Cards?

There are many ways to use Nomenclature Cards, depending on the age of your child, so I will present a few basic activities and then some extensions based on age.

Activities for Toddler – Preschool Aged Children:

For young children who are not yet reading, nomenclature cards are used to build vocabulary. These children will do best with a one-piece card that shows an image at the top and name at the bottom. I prefer to present nomenclature cards early in a new Tot School unit so that the child can become familiar with new phrases and concepts that may be used in later activities.

To begin the presentation I sit down beside the child and place the cards face up, one by one. As each card is placed in front of the child I recite its name. For this introduction I try to keep my explanation of each card pretty brief, but if the child asks questions I will answer. Particularly large groups of cards may need to be divided out over several days so the child isn’t overwhelmed. As always, follow the child. They’ll make it clear when they’ve had too much.

Over the next few days present the cards several more times, and add some of the games below.

Game 1: Figure Matching

I often incorporate Safari Ltd. Toob figures with my nomenclature cards. This allows me to offer a fun and easy matching game that the kids always love. Just lay out the cards and a small dish full of matching figurines and encourage your child to match the figurine to it’s card. Holding a 3D model of the item they are learning can really help cement the vocabulary in your child’s brain.

Game 2: “I’m Thinking of …”

This is a fun variation on 20 questions. Place your nomenclature cards face up on a table and select one (mentally) without telling your child which one. Then have your child ask questions until he or she names the correct card. For example:

Child: “Does your card swim?”
Parent: “Yes it does.”
Child: “Is it orange?”
Parent: “Yes, it’s orange.”
Child: “It’s a Clown Fish!”

A younger child might struggle to articulate their questions, so you could help, or even offer clues describing the object yourself until he or she is able to guess what it is.

Activities for Early Elementary Aged Children:

By early elementary your child is likely fully able to express herself verbally, and perhaps reading or close to reading. This is when you’ll begin introducing the “3-Part Cards” aspect of nomenclature cards. 2 Make your own 3-Part Cards simply print a duplicate of each sheet. Prepare the first sheet as described above, and then cut the cards from the second sheet apart. This will leave 3 pieces:

One complete card showing both an image and name
One upper portion of a card showing only the image
One narrow strip from the bottom of the card showing only the name

Place one complete card before your child and encourage him to find the matching image to place beside it. Once the image has been matched look closely at the name on the complete card and ask your child to find the remaining portion with the matching name. This will be easier for children who are already reading, but even if your child isn’t reading it’s a great opportunity to point out the distinctive shapes of different letters to help her match the words. Continue this way through all of the cards or until your child seems tired. This is a challenging activity and they may need to work their way up to completing an entire deck of nomenclature cards.

Advanced Extension:

When your child is no longer challenged by the previous activities, you can remove the complete card altogether and ask your child to match the name and image alone. This is the most challenging task but proves true mastery over the vocabulary.

Are your ready to introduce nomenclature cards to your child? Sign up below for access to our free Digital Resource Library. There are several sets of nomenclature cards already available, and more added each month! If you would like to see a specific themed set, request it in the comments below!

Crafts, Montessori, Tot School Units

Farm Themed Tot School Unit: Part I

June 19, 2017

Something about Summer just makes me think of life on the farm.

I don’t know if it’s the slower pace or the long days outside in the sun but it always is enough to make farm life appealing. At least it was until last week. Last week we signed up to have farm duty at Goose’s Montessori school. The school has it’s own miniature farm with chickens, ducks, sheep and miniature donkeys. Since there is a new baby donkey I was quick to sign up to take care of the animals for one week of summer break. Little did I know that I was going to be in WAY over my head!

In way over my head …

The first day I showed up with a 3 year old and 1 year old thinking it would be a quick visit. We would hand out a little food, pet the baby donkey and be home in time for naps. Nope! I think the highlight was when the sheep got out of their pen and I spent an hour attempting to chase / bribe them back in. Or trying to corral the chickens into the coop …. or was it when I was hauling buckets of water (PS I think it weighed at least 50 lbs!) and a donkey knocked me over and I spilled the bucket all over myself.

Long story short – I have learned that I am NOT cut out for farm life. That hasn’t kept me from designing a super fun farm themed tot school unit. Please forgive the 3 enormous posts this week – there were so many cute activities I got a little carried away!

Nomenclature Cards

It wouldn’t be a tot school unit without nomenclature cards. If you aren’t familiar with these fantastic learning tools I explain them here. I always like to start any new unit with nomenclature cards because they are such an easy way to introduce the new vocabulary that you will be using throughout the unit. I have designed my own set of farm nomenclature cards that you can download for free from my Digital Resource Library. Don’t have an access code? Just sign up below and one will be emailed to you right away!

One of my favorite games with nomenclature cards is to combine them with one or more Safari Ltd. Toobs. I used the Farm TOOB and Farm Babies TOOB. Then allow your child to match the photographic image on the nomenclature card to the Toob figurine. For us this process often devolves into imaginative play but even then the boys are learning. It usually sounds something like, “The baby horse is driving my Hot Wheels, Mommy!” “The foal is driving the Hot Wheels dear.”

Is it just my house or does every activity ultimately involve Hot Wheels?

Pigs in Mud Sensory Bin

Now this is one FUN sensory bin! Probably because it’s so messy. We used some pigs from our Farm TOOB as well as pigs from the Battat Terra Farm Animals Set , and set them loose in a tub full of chocolate pudding.

I introduced the activity with this video explaining why pigs roll in mud, and we read ‘Hogwash‘ by Karma Wilson.

Goose prefers to keep his hands clean, but even he was willing to dive into the pudding when he figured out how tasty it is. Nugget, of course, can always be counted on to coat himself from head to toe in any substance he gets his hands on.

Fast Craft: Paper Plate Lambs

Making paper plate lambs is easy, fun and the end results are surprisingly adorable! Best of all this is a craft that a preschooler can complete with minimal assistance from Mom. Elmer’s glue scrubs clean from just about every surface, right? *wink*.

Supplies:

1 White Paper or Foam Disposable Plate
White Cotton Balls
One printed copy of the lamb template from my Digital Resource Library.
Elmer’s School Glue
2 Googly Eyes
Scissors

Prep Work: Download my template and cut out the legs, face and ears of the lamb.

**Don’t have an access code for the Digital Resource Library? No problem! Just sign up below and one will me emailed to you right away!

Instructions:

Use Elmer’s Glue to apply the round head to the center of the plate, then glue all 4 legs to the edges.
Glue the eyes on to the face (shocker, I know. Unless you have more of a Picasso-esque lamb in mind …)
Let your child go wild gluing as many cotton balls as they would like to the plate.
When finished tuck the ears into the cotton and glue in place.
Admire your adorable lamb – and maybe give it a name.

Milking a Cow Imaginative Play

Ok, I’m going to level with you. This was a super neat activity that turned out far better than I initially imagined, however it might be difficult to replicate at home. I will show you what I did, and then offer my suggestions for how you could possible put your own spin on the activity using things you already have around the house.

To begin with you need a frame of some sort. We made our own out of this Discovery Kids Construction Fort (which we have used endlessly for fort building!) I think you could use just about anything with 4 legs, maybe even a kitchen chair?

Next, you need a rubber glove and some twine. Fill the glove with water and use the twine to secure it shut at the wrist opening. Then use your frame to suspend the glove so that it dangles in the opening. When your child is ready to begin ‘milking their cow’ use a safety pin to poke 3-4 holes in the tip of 1-2 fingers. The glove will tend to drip so please keep a bucket beneath your milking station.

Like a real cow, we found that our glove gave us the best results when we used a push-pull motion. If you feel particularly ambitious you could even decorate your frame so that it looks like a real cow. If you do that you officially win the Mom-of-the-Year Award and I absolutely want you to send in pictures!

Delicious Haystack Snack Recipe

Nugget and Goose worked up quite the appetite doing all of our farm activities today so I figured it would be a great opportunity to finish the day with a yummy farm-themed snack. These tasty haystack snacks are a sweet and easy treat!

Ingredients:

1/2 Cup Creamy Peanut Butter (or substitute your favorite nut-free butter if your household has allergies)
2-3 Cups Pretzel Sticks, broken into small pieces
1/4 Cup White Chocolate Chips

Optional Additions: Slivered Almonds, Nutella, Chopped Nuts, Mini Marshmallows, Caramel Chips, Heath Bar Crumbles.

Recipe:

Microwave the peanut butter and chocolate chips on high for 1-2 minutes until melted and stir until fully combined.
If you wish to add any of the optional toppings stir them in now.
Stir Broken Pretzels into your melted peanut butter mixture and spoon dollops of it onto a baking sheet covered in a Silpat Mat or wax paper.
Let cool in a refrigerator for about an hour.

There’s way too much sugar to call this snack healthy, but I think it’s just right as a special treat after working hard and learning all morning.

Did you try any of our farm-themed tot school activities?

Which did your kids like best? Are there any other farm-related activities you would like to see later this week?

Check back later this week to see Part II and Part III of our Farm Themed Tot School Unit!

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Early Tot School, Montessori, Tot School Units

Easy Ocean Themed Tot School Unit: Part 1

June 5, 2017

Summer is a great time to take a vacation to the beach, but if it’s too far away you can bring the beach inside with this fun ocean themed tot school unit! I have created so many printables and activities that I had to divide it into three posts! So check back throughout the week as I continue to share all the ocean themed fun we have been having!

Baby Nomenclature Cards

As a Montessori Mama I am a HUGE fan of nomenclature cards. What are nomenclature cards, you ask? Simple, they are cards that feature a vocabulary word and image (think flashcards for vocabulary building). In the Montessori tradition they are frequently used as ‘Three-Part Cards’. There is a complete card with both the image and title, as well as a second divided card with an image on one portion and the title on a separate portion. It really isn’t as confusing as it sounds 🙂

As children begin to read they can use 3-part cards to match the title to the image. For now, my boys just use nomenclature cards which allow them to build vocabulary. (If you’re interested in learning more, click here) For months Nugget has been trying desperately to get his hands on Goose’s laminated nomenclature cards for each unit I introduce. Unfortunately his little motor skills just aren’t quite ready to handle the laminated cards without bending (and often chewing!) them to pieces.

This is why I decided it was time to find a way to create his own set of nomenclature cards that would be virtually indestructible.

How To:

First, gather your supplies. You will need
- Mod Podge
- Acrylic Paint (I used white)
- A set of Images for your cards – download mine here
- Thin pieces of Balsa Wood
Begin by printing and cutting out your nomenclature card images.
Using your paper images as a guide, mark how large you wish for your wooden pieces to be. Mine are 2.5″ x 3.75″.
Cut your wood strips into the desired size and thoroughly sand the edges. You don’t want to leave any splinters that could find their way into tiny fingers!
Use your acrylic paint to apply a background color to both sides of your wood card.
Once the paint has dried fully use Mod Podge to adhere your paper nomenclature cards. I applied 6 coats to the front and 2 coats to the back of my cards to ensure a smooth, shiny finish.

Nugget was so excited when I introduced his very own nomenclature cards! He’s at the age where he wants to do everything that big brother does. First we sat together and went through each card as I read the titles to him. Then, I brought out a basket containing Munchkin Ocean Squirts bath toys. He quickly figured out how to lay out the cards and match the bath toy to the corresponding card. It was so much fun! When he proudly said “Sark!” it just warmed my heart!

Lacing Cards

Lacing cards are such a fun way to develop fine motor skills, so I knew I just had to include them in my Ocean themed tot school unit! All you have to do is print, cut them out (this can be great cutting practice for an older sibling – and can save you time, too!), and punch the holes.

Personally, I prefer to laminate my cards so they last through more than one use. If you are looking for a laminator this Purple Cows Hot and Cold Laminator is very affordable and has worked perfectly for more than a year.

Some easy extension activities can include asking your child to lace every other hole, or even do a blanket stitch. There’s no reason that a material you took the time to make has to be used only one way.

Water Bead Sensory Bin

If you visit my blog very often you already know how much I adore water beads. The slimy, squishy texture is shockingly addicting and my little ones are over the moon excited when I get them out. I ordered these from Amazon and the tiny package has lasted several months. The beads expand to nearly 200 times their original size, so it doesn’t take many to fill a sensory bin. I usually prepare them the night before – pour a tablespoon or two in a bin full of water and by morning they are ready for play!

Note: Always supervise the use of water beads in your home. Although they are non-toxic they can still be hazardous if swallowed due to their exponential growth. Always store your water beads away from children and pets, and contact your doctor or vet if you believe they may have been ingested.

Free Printables!

OK, you’ve been patient – and you will be so well rewarded. I got completely carried away designing printables for my Ocean themed tot school unit. There are the lacing cards I showed you above, size sorting games, animal activity cards, even a pretty ocean quote to decorate your tot school space! To get all this and more sign up below and you’ll receive your exclusive access code for my Digital Resource Library!

Check back Wednesday to see more of our Ocean Tot School Activities!

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Nomenclature Cards

Preschool Space Activities : Part 2

Space Themed Nomenclature Cards

Would you like to download your own free set of Space nomenclature cards?

Space Themed Sensory Bin

Flashlight Constellations

Supplies:

Instructions:

Extension Activities:

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The Ultimate Guide to Montessori Nomenclature Cards

History of Montessori Nomenclature Cards

What Are Nomenclature Cards??

How Do I Use Montessori Nomenclature Cards?

Activities for Toddler – Preschool Aged Children:

Game 1: Figure Matching

Game 2: “I’m Thinking of …”

Activities for Early Elementary Aged Children:

Advanced Extension:

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Farm Themed Tot School Unit: Part I

Something about Summer just makes me think of life on the farm.

In way over my head …

Nomenclature Cards

Is it just my house or does every activity ultimately involve Hot Wheels?

Pigs in Mud Sensory Bin

Fast Craft: Paper Plate Lambs

Supplies:

Instructions:

Milking a Cow Imaginative Play

Delicious Haystack Snack Recipe

Ingredients:

Recipe:

Did you try any of our farm-themed tot school activities?

Check back later this week to see Part II and Part III of our Farm Themed Tot School Unit!

Share this:

Like this:

Easy Ocean Themed Tot School Unit: Part 1

Baby Nomenclature Cards

How To:

Lacing Cards

Water Bead Sensory Bin

Free Printables!

Check back Wednesday to see more of our Ocean Tot School Activities!

Share this:

Like this: