Pouring & Politeness

So, I know maybe you've been a bit curious as to what we've been up to after that sneak peek. Well, let me first start off by saying that we are just beginning to very gently tread water a little. Maybe this isn't the best time to start homeschooling with everything that's been going on, but I feel as though I need something positive to focus my thoughts and energy on, so I've decided to begin experimenting a little.

My mom taught Montessori preschool for many years, which my brother and sister and I all attended when we were young. She now teaches kindergarten at a public school. Because it was the beginning stage of my childhood learning, I thought it would be a good place to start with my own children. My oldest attended a Catholic preschool and is a bit old for many of the activities I have started working on with my youngest. So, while he was away this past weekend at his Grammy's, it gave me some one on one time with E to work with him alone. I know that some of you are hardcore Montessori educators, so before explaining, I want to make sure to express that the activities I am doing are only loosely based on the Montessori Method and that I have incorporated my own ideas and other methods into the activities as well. With that being said.. We started off with some basic water pouring activities in preparation for our tea party, where E put his newly learned pouring skills into real life practice. We also worked on the importance of manners and politeness, including putting our napkins on our laps and saying please and thank you. After the party we practiced folding napkins and cleaning up. It was a delightful party! We mingled with fascinating new friends, sipped on decaf green tea, and had fun learning in the process! :)

Our pouring materials consisted of the following: Tray, measuring cup, glass jar, funnels, small pitcher, and 2 small cups.



E practiced pouring, at first using the funnels and then directly into the small cups..



We later began to set up for our tea party..



After the tea was brewed, E finished up a few last minute preparations as we waited for our guests to arrive.



Our first guest was a kind lion with a gentle heart, who enjoys agave nectar in his tea.



E poured another cup of tea for our next guest, Indiana Jones.



Indiana was tired, hungry, and a bit cranky after a day of exploring. But he soon warmed up to us after graciously excepting our peace offering and polite invitation to set up camp with us for the night.



Our next guest was a cowgirl, who had stumbled across our party while in search of her missing cattle.



Later that night the cows finally showed up and had a little After Party of their own. :)



The End.