Montesecrets - Latest Comments in Three period what??

Re: Three period what??

Djarum Black — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:51:21 -0000

make sure you are going left to right(pre reading skills!) introduce your objects. then move on to this is.... play a game! (this is an apple. can you put the apple on your head? put the apple on your nose. put the apple on your mat) this is.... an orange (play the game) this is a banana (play game). second period is "show me" start w/ the last one you did... show me the banana. show me the orange. show me the apple. 3rd lesson is "what is.

Re: Three period what??

Montesecrets — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 22:13:35 -0000

@Emily: First off, I just want to say THANK YOU! for taking the time out to respond. The reason why I created this blog was to spark up healthy debates. We all can learn something from everyone, and as long as we can agree to disagree....everything is all good! Your explanations definitely made me think twice about the period lesson, and you highlighted some very valid points. I like constructive criticism....and I WANT people to point things out to me! The one thing I take pride in is my open-mindedness. I'm always willing to listen to other people. Another reader of mine also took the time out to explain the idea behind "Imaginary Play" and why it's discouraged in the Montessori classroom, after I stated on a post that I didn't agree with that aspect of Montessori. Now, I can understand much better why so many Montessorians are highly against it. I might not agree with it 100% because of my personal opinions, BUT, I do highly respect what she had to say. Thanks again Emily and keep the comments rolling!

Re: Three period what??

Emily — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 20:40:21 -0000

I know EXACTLY what you're saying about the children memorizing... but to begin (and really that's what a 3 period lesson is for) I try to get them to memorize and THEN generalize. Thanks for the clarification on you position when giving a lesson and about the reading readiness and varying with cultures. The beauty of Montessori is that you can make a lot of it your own. I've had children that have had to jump up and down, run around or do some other quirky activity to remember things using a 3 period lesson. I think once we give them the tools, we have to generalize the information we give them, making sure that it's not just memorization of placement...
Thanks for the comments back, I hope that I didn't offend anyone, just offering an opinion! Thanks for the healthy debate!
I enjoyed your site! :)

Re: Three period what??

Montesecrets — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:07:03 -0000

Thanks Emily for your comment. Yes, I did forget to mention presenting from left to right to train the eye for reading. Obviously, this would change when presenting to children of various cultures....some read from right to left, or top to bottom. ect.

Also, another thing that I failed to mention is when presenting to a child, ideally you should be sitting on their dominant side. In the video I was sitting across-this was due to easier visibility.

I respect your comments and opinions, but I have to disagree with you about presenting the second period in order. I personally do not do so because I want to make sure that the child is understanding the concept, and not just memorizing the word and its order. There's no harm in presenting the second period in order, but I like to change it up a bit to make sure that the child is understanding the concepts that are being presented to them, and not just memorizing the words apple, banana, and orange. In my experiences, what often happens is when the child is presented the same work again, they sometimes repeat apple, banana, and orange, when really the lay out is orange, banana, and apple.
This is because they were conditioned to hearing those words in that particular order and it has stuck with them.

If I am doing the second period, and I switch it up a bit, (put the apple in your lap, put the banana on your head, ect.) and the child responds well.. I know for sure that they can move on to the third period. If I constantly present the second period in order, then I'm not 100% sure if they are ready for the third period, because all they really could be doing is just memorizing the order that I'm repeating the words in.

I also have heard that it is recommended to start the second period with the last object you used in the first period. I think this is just a minor detail, but it does help because it is easier for the child to remember. If you present it in a different order, I don't think it will hinder the child.

I have conducted the three period lesson many times (as I'm sure you have), and everyone has their own unique twist. I don't think any one specific way is right. I think what's important is you follow the guidelines. Also, as long as you follow the child and respond to their needs, that 's all that really matters.

But once again, I invite everyone's comments. The reason why I created this blog was to hear everyone's opinions...even if I might not agree with them...I'm still all ears.

Re: Three period what??

Emily — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 02:43:12 -0000

as a montessori teacher I think you are confusing the child by skipping around. if you are doing the 3 fruits... make sure you are going left to right(pre reading skills!) introduce your objects. then move on to this is.... play a game! (this is an apple. can you put the apple on your head? put the apple on your nose. put the apple on your mat) this is.... an orange (play the game) this is a banana (play game). second period is "show me" start w/ the last one you did... show me the banana. show me the orange. show me the apple. 3rd lesson is "what is..." what is this?(apple) what is this?(orange) what is this? (banana). by doing it in order there is less confusion for the child. Having them play a game makes it more fun and is a tool in helping them hear the word! :)

Re: Three period what??

Montesecrets — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 23:52:02 -0000

Thank you! It took me forever to make it! I'm glad you liked it!

Re: Three period what??

Annie Cook — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 23:34:26 -0000

Excellent Demo!