We added a new object box to our repertoire today. Finding these objects can be challenging…especially the vowels. The objects used for “i” are infant and insect. If anyone has more ideas for “i”, please comment. When we laid out the DNIR mat, JR politely asked if he could do SMAT instead. He said, “because I’m really good at that one.” Isn’t that the way it is? It’s easy and comforting doing something we are already good at. I told JR that soon, he would be really good at this one too.
One thing I struggle with is the desire to correct his work. According to the Montessori discipline, the teacher should not point out when the student makes an incorrect decision. Montessori’s belief is that this discourages the child and over time they will learn to make the correct choice on their own. So far, I’ve compromised by trying to lead him to the correct choice by repeating the sound or word over and over. This ends up with him guessing around until he gets it right. Not one of my best teaching skills, I must admit. I’m hoping that over time I can learn to bite my tongue and allow him to make his own decisions…whether they are correct or incorrect.
You may also find this helpful: Object Box – SMAT
PostScript (2.9.11): I discovered a new way to organize the Object Boxes. It includes a worksheet that will help JR develop his writing skills. Did you know, most kids can write and spell before they can read?
You can download it by clicking on this link: Object Box D-N-I-R
Ice, Ice cream, Igloo, Iris, Ice Skate, Ivy, Iguana, Inchworm? Maybe an identification like your driver’s license or old Tech I.D.
And of course, one of John Robert’s favorite and mine too, icing!
sorry, I should have specified that it has to be a short i sound…so igloo and iguana would work, but I haven’t found those small enough. I never thought of inchworm. That’s genious! I bet I’ll be able to find that. Thanks chica! Keep an eye out for small (2″ or smaller) of an iguana or igloo.
Oh my….I didn’t think about infant… ;)
I did ours just with pictures….and it was hard…I can’t imagine now that I have to look for the objects…lol….I got pictures for: ill, Italy, interview, instruments and ink. Maybe….getting a tiny bottle of ink or a stamp pad???….an small instrument???…a flag of Italy???…really hard…lol
Instrument and Italy are perfect! Thanks for the great ideas. I’m trying to limit it to short “i” sounds for now, but I could add ink later. Thanks for commenting. :)
We have ink (stamp pad), iguana, insect & india (small india map). I know my comment is too late in the game, but it is better late than never!
Thanks for the great ideas! I’ll be out looking for more “i” things this week. :)
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