Oh, Dearest Mother, Sweetest Virgin of Altagracia, our Patroness. You are our Advocate and to you we recommend our needs. You are our Teacher and like disciples we come to learn from the example of your holy life. You are our Mother, and like children, we come to offer you all of the love of our hearts. Receive, dearest Mother, our offerings and listen attentively to our supplications. Amen.



Active Topics || Favorites || Member List || Search || About Us || Help || Register || Login
Across Time and Place
 4Real Forums : Across Time and Place
Subject Topic: Question about Montessori Maps Post ReplyPost New Topic
Author
Message << Prev Topic | Next Topic >>
ShawnaB
Forum Pro
Forum Pro
Avatar

Joined: Nov 05 2005
Location: N/A
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 377
Posted: Jan 30 2008 at 10:22pm | IP Logged Quote ShawnaB
I am looking for more information on the Montessori continent maps and cabinet. Is there somewhere online where I may see how these items are used? For those of you who own them, how effective have they been for learning world geography? Which Montessori geography items do you feel are the most useful?

Also, do you feel that these materials would be appropriate for an 11 year old child who has recently come out of public school and has very little understanding of geography? Being solid in geography is such a helpful context for understanding history, and I am looking for a way to nurture this in a gentle and unintimidating way. Any input is greatly appreciated!


__________________
Shawna, wife of Jacob, mom to Abraham 8 Amelia 5 and Jillian & Jonathan age 3 years http://www.psalm121family.com
Back to Top View ShawnaB's Profile Search for other posts by ShawnaB Visit ShawnaB's Homepage
 
lapazfarm
Forum All-Star
Forum All-Star
Avatar

Joined: July 21 2005
Location: Alaska
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 6082
Posted: Jan 30 2008 at 11:43pm | IP Logged Quote lapazfarm
HI Shawna! You can find some ideas for how to use the maps here:MTC Geography
I use the maps for all of my kids, from 2 to 12 and it is actually the 12 yo who gets the most use out of them. He is working his way through them at a steady clip and really enjoying the work. I think they are a great tool and we use them just about every day.

__________________
Theresa
us-schooling in beautiful Fairbanks, Alaska.
LaPaz Home Learning
Back to Top View lapazfarm's Profile Search for other posts by lapazfarm Visit lapazfarm's Homepage
 
Mackfam
Board Moderator
Board Moderator
Avatar
Non Nobis

Joined: April 24 2006
Location: Alabama
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 14656
Posted: Jan 31 2008 at 7:31am | IP Logged Quote Mackfam
Shawna,
These items were a great investment for us, but they have been very worthwhile! All of our children use them - from 3 to 11. I have been amazed at the great transformation that has taken place in their general knowledge of geography through daily use of these maps.

I have them trace the map pieces and make their own maps, coloring and labeling. These can be added to in a variety of ways - saints of that region, animals, flora, etc. Right now, the kids are so excited because they are working on a little US map booklet - with one state per paper. For some reason they love working on a small scale, and for this they are using inset paper (small square.) They trace the state, color and label. Then they add all sorts of information - my dd11yo will add things like state tree, state bird, year the state entered the union. My ds7 will likely add things like college football teams, NFL football teams, etc. But in the end they will have 50 little states and we'll make them into a little book.

Another idea I read has to do with labeling the control maps - which I have yet to find time to do.    But the idea is that you label the control map, and then have another set of labels printed up and in a small bowl. The child then uses the loose labels to label an unlabeled control map (I should point out that these wooden maps come with 2-3 control maps each - some labeled, some not. Mine from Alison's came with 3 unlabeled, but I like the quality of them.) And they check their work with the map you have labeled already.

You can mount the control map or their finished map on cork, and make little country flags mounted on toothpicks. Or for that matter, you could have your ds mount anything on a toothpick (animal, cultural shelter, etc) and poke it onto your map.

I have found these maps to be the most useable resource in our learning room this year. Here are a couple of links from past discussions:

Montessori Geography Maps

Geography Continent Boxes

HTH in your decision making Shawna!


__________________
Jen Mackintosh
Wife to Rob, mom to dd 19, ds 16, ds 11, dd 8, and dd 3
Wildflowers and Marbles
Back to Top View Mackfam's Profile Search for other posts by Mackfam Visit Mackfam's Homepage
 

If you wish to post a reply to this topic you must first login
If you are not already registered you must first register

  [Add this topic to My Favorites] Post ReplyPost New Topic
Printable version Printable version

Forum Jump
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot create polls in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum

Hosting and Support provided by theNetSmith.com