Have Printer....Will Teach!

Thanks to all the super people out there who make tons of Montessori-style printables and cards, we have lots to learn.  The best part?  All I have to do is print them out!

Here's my secret system 

to one of the easiest and cheapest 

ways to teach:

1. Three-Part Cards

• First find what you want to teach (parts of a bird, types of flowers, planets, etc...)  Then use internet images to make three-part cards (picture and name, picture alone, name alone)
• Here's a template  that I use.  It's so easy!  Don't forget to store a copy on your computer in case you need to replace a card piece.
• Laminate for durability if desired.  You can use clear shelf liner contact paper or laminating pouches
• Cut apart

2. Control Cards (File Folder Games)

• Use a glue stick to attach the picture and name card (control card) to a colored or plain file folder.  Think about the layout.  (If you know a song about the continents, put the cards down in that order.  Place planet cards in order by which is closest to the sun.  Place life-cycle cards in a circular shape on the file folder...)
• Laminate for durability if desired.  You can use clear shelf liner contact paper or laminating pouches
• Punch closed file folder on folded edge with a three-hole punch.
• Store file folder games in a three-ring binder

3. Cardstock Storage Folders

• Take a single sheet of colored or plain cardstock and fold it into a small pocketed folder following the tutorial (click on above image from Montessori Printshop.)
• Laminate for durability if desired.  You can use clear shelf liner contact paper or laminating pouches
• Attach velcro dots or large paperclips for closures if desired
• Label top edges and file in a box

4. Power Point Flash Cards

• Now use those same images to make a simple Power Point slide show (flash cards) to go along with the cards.  We go through the current cards twice a day for two weeks.

5. Related Toys and Books

• Now put any related toys or books out that week. (Learning about Animals of Africa?  Take out Manacala, African print fabrics, toy animals, globe, books on animals or Africa, put grass clippings and sand in the sensory tub.....use what you have on hand!)

That's it!!!  So Easy!!!

Let's review:

1. Print / Make Cards
2. Make File Folder Game (Control Cards)
3. Store Cards
4. Make Power Point Flash Cards
5. Take out Related Toys and Books

Now how to use them:

• Match the picture cards to the control cards
• Match the picture and name cards to the control cards
• Match the name cards to the picture cards (check control cards after for self-correction)
• Match 3D items to the control or picture cards
• Match The name cards to a poster, puzzle, book or just about anything
• Line up or sort the picture cards by attributes
• Use the cards as discussion starters
• Match related cards to control cards (animals to continents, vehicles to community helpers...)

That's just a few ideas.  

Here's a couple more creative ways to add to your teaching:

• Use the file folder control cards and the picture cards as a bingo board
• Use the file folder control cards and sound effects on the computer as a sound bingo game
• Make doubles of the picture cards for matching or memory game
• Mix and match cards to make a new set (Africa= continent card, cheetah card, lion card...)