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February 17, 2015

Geography for Babies -- Familiar Places Basket


Nora is at the perfect age for Montessori treasure baskets. These baskets allow for exploration of particular topic or sensory experience. To start to explore the concept of geography with her, I decided to make a discovery basket using familiar places from our home. 


To make these cards, I took pictures of a few of the rooms in our house. Instead of using my perspective, I got on the floor and took them from Nora's view. I labeled each picture with the names we commonly call each area. I only included areas that Nora frequently hangs out in -- our living room, dining room, Henry's room, Nora's room, our tot school classroom, and our play area. 


I presented these cards in a small basket. As Nora picked up a picture, I said the name of the room aloud. Then, I just let her explore the laminated paper. I was surprised to see her really concentrating on the pictures, as well as exploring the paper. They also provided some good exercise for her as they scattered around the room. 

If you want to make these cards, keep the images and words simple. I didn't want them to be overstimulating. Also, laminate! Not only did lamination provide an awesome texture, it keeps them safe. I'm always impressed with how fast Nora can destroy paper. Finally, round the corners. This kept them safe as Nora brought the cards to her face, and when she threw them around the room. 


Even Henry loved the cards. I shouldn't be surprised since Henry is obsessed with geography -- see his Montessori geography work in this post. He was happy to sit and tell Nora which room was which. He was also happy to line them up and just look at them. Plus, I learned that he thought the dining room was just called the living room (they are adjacent), so a little super-local geography learning took place with him too!


My goal for these cards was purely to engage Nora's senses with familiar pictures. She enjoyed a new texture of the paper and the basket. And, similar to reading, they provided some language stimulation. Over time, I hope the cards help to add a sense of place to her vocabulary.


And, most importantly, they were just plain fun!


12 Months of  Montessori Learning!

This post was brought to you as part of the 12 Months to Montessori series. Each month a great group of bloggers brings you posts on a particular topic. This month's topic was geography. Check out these amazing Montessori bloggers for more geography-inspired posts! 





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Comments

Every Star Is Different
These are genius! I love them. Every time I read one of your posts, it makes me want to have another baby, just so I an start incorporating Montessori from birth. (Something I haven't done yet.) What a fun way to initiate geography!
Every Star Is Different
These are genius! I love them. Every time I read one of your posts, it makes me want to have another baby, just so I an start incorporating Montessori from birth. (Something I haven't done yet.) What a fun way to initiate geography!
Unknown
Unknown said…
How adorable! I love these! We made something similar when mine were that young. ;)
Jennifer
Jennifer said…
Omgoodness, that picture of them showing the cards to each other - precious!

I love that you were okay with her throwing the cards around -- it's to be expected, but so many new-to-Montessori parents will be comforted by your example.
Breanna
Breanna said…
This is such a great idea, friend! :) These cards are absolutely perfect - and what cute little models you have :)
Bess Wuertz
Bess Wuertz said…
Not only is that a brilliant idea but the cards you made are beautiful!
Vicky
Vicky said…
I love these - they are so beautiful to look at! Such a great idea and beautifully executed.
Mama's Happy Hive
This introduction to geography idea is perfectly wonderful for a baby or toddler! I adore your photo's and that you took them how Nora would view the room. Delightful!
Erin Hayes
Erin Hayes said…
Can you please explain how you added the text to your photos? Like what app/software? I love that yours have a white text box and they look so uniform.

Thank you!
Unknown
Unknown said…
This is actually a good idea in letting our babies be familiar with the places of within our house. This is will broaden their horizons at home, an activity that I can impart to parents who get help with essay writing service Smart Paper Help which they can use at home.