In this new series of posts, I am asking Montessorians to share 8 things they can’t live without in their classroom.
They will be sharing things that they find important or interesting. They will talk about meaningful or memorable elements of their environments. They will share about things that help them in the classroom, things that children like/use the most, or things that mean something special to them.
I think it will be both interesting and useful. We can learn more about our colleagues and also learn from them too.
Today I am highlighting Virginia Lozuke from Montessori Moxie.
Virginia has over 20 years of experience with Montessori at the 3-6 level. Currently she is the lead guide and head of school at the Montessori Farm School in Durham, North Carolina, USA.
1. Self-shelf
We have a peace shelf, but our “self-shelf” is different. There is a cozy area under the stairs that is designed to be a place for one. The shelf is filled with calming and centering items like, meditation stones, labyrinths, a weighted-blanket, and other changing works that promote mindfulness and self-regulation. Enjoyed by the adults in the classroom too!
The beautiful wall art with children in the classroom is from Ashley Speed.
2. Natural loose parts
We have a bountiful playground with gardens and hens and an amazing rain garden with bridges, but even if you don’t have the space for those things, small wooden logs and moveable, jumpable hay bales can’t be beat for imaginative play, design, and motor skills. These are inexpensive and very open-ended.
3. Notes from Missy Montessori
We have a busy bathroom and spills, accidents, and mud and water play are a regular part of the day. These notes are brilliant. I purchased a file from Missy Montessori, but you could also make your own. We keep a stack just outside our bathroom door to attach to bags of wet clothes. Write a name and circle the item(s) and staple it to the bag. If I had to be trusted to walk away and send a text or email I know I’d forget, but these work like a charm!
4. Classroom pets
The cage is empty, but it was the home to one of the many beloved classroom pets we’ve had over the years (birds, lizards, snakes, frogs, chickens, guinea pigs, fish and rabbits). Classroom pets teach care, responsibility, love, and loss. I am grateful for it all and we don’t hide the death of an animal when it comes. Learning that grief is a part of life and that sharing our sorrow helps us heal is an amazing gift at a young age. I am so grateful for the patient and sweet animals that have been part of our community! Have a student reluctant to separate from their parents? Feeding the classroom guinea pig might be that first work that entices them over the threshold.
5. Burlap and wool sweaters
We sew a ton and I credit the ease of burlap and old “felted” wool sweaters. Sweaters are great to cut into shapes. The wool doesn’t fray and is easier to push a needle through than true felt. We use burlap to cover “sewing tables” for group collaboration and to cut into smaller pieces for individual works with continent shapes, metal inset shapes, leaves, hearts, and more. Old coffee bags can be cut up if you don’t have burlap by the yard. The right materials make sewing more accessible and has become a mainstay for my classroom. *Both the sewing tables pictured were made from thrifted coffee tables that no longer had glass.
6. Beadstair variations
When I began working in Montessori classrooms many many years ago I noticed how enticing the beautiful beads were to the youngest of students, but that sometimes those small toddler hands would benefit from larger beads to manipulate. These were made 20 years ago and still get daily use. The larger beads are felt-covered discs that velcro to the large board, and the smaller “beads” are painted wooden furniture screw covers with magnets glued to the back.
7. Big wall chalkboard
This is actually one of three in my classroom! We have a great big one in our coat space, this circle in language, and another outside the student bathroom (great to use when you have to wait). Our circle board is always in use for copy-work (weekly affirmations), handwriting, small group lessons, art, and chalkboard-washing. All you need is a little space and a little paint. Great for crossing the midline and involving whole body movement.
8. Standing spots for lines
Children don’t come to us knowing how to stand in a line and space themselves appropriately. I have landing spots (sit spots) at my group rug and line up spots on our outside sidewalk for transitions from the playground to the classroom. We used leaves because they are part of our logo, but you could paint anything. Not only do they prevent pushing/squashing, but it’s easy to see at a glance how many spaces are empty before you even count or take roll. Three empty leaves? Time to check the playhouse!
Virginia has over 20 years of experience with Montessori at the 3-6 level. Currently she is the lead guide and head of school at the Montessori Farm School in Durham, North Carolina. Virginia has also served as a faculty member for an AMS teacher training program and is one of the Trillium Montessori presenters for Principals to Practice and other video resources. When she’s not talking about, writing about, or teaching Montessori she loves to cuddle cats and go thrifting.
See more pictures of Virginia’s school at Montessori Farm School.
Your Children’s House is absolutely stunning. I love each area you’ve featured. The care you and your students put into their classroom, well, it’s as neat as a pin.( I’ve always wanted to use that phrase).
I am a retired Montessori teacher and even after 40+ years, I do miss teaching very much. I have been thinking of traveling to various Montessori schools as a consultant, I’ll keep pondering this idea. Thank you for sharing your Top 8 things you cannot do without.
If I’m ever in Durham, we can plan a visit.
Jane
Thank you for the unique and helpful ideas! What a good idea to have other experienced guides share what works in their environment.
I love the photos of your classroom, especially your felt bead stair circles and your note to bring extra clothing.
I loved seeing your 8 ideas and am excited to incorporate some of them
Into our learning environment! Thank you so much for sharing. We have especially needed something like the self shelf. The larger bead stairs are also the best idea! Thank you again!