If there's one thing all my children love, it's miniatures. As a result, our collection of Toobs continues to grow. I began to wonder how I could capitalize on my children's interest in all things small.
In a traditional Montessori scope and sequence, grammar is often explored through a material called the grammar farm. It is a detailed model, complete with realistic animals. Children experience grammar concepts by using sets of cards to label items within the farm; increasing the difficulty to full sentences with practice.
I was excited to discover that there were several farm themed Toobs I could use to recreate the grammar farm. The smaller size was easier to manage and was far more budget friendly. But as I put my farm set together, I wondered, "Why stop there?" I subsequently began creating simple miniature environments for each of my children's favorite Toob sets.
This ocean environment features the Coral Reef Toob by Safari Ltd. It was very easy to create.
The box includes:
- Toob Miniatures
- Aquarium Plants
- A Standard Blue Felt Square
- Brown Felt Cut Freehand for Floor
- Ocean Grammar Labels - See below to download for free
Children are free to explore the contents to create scenes.
Before introducing the cards, review the names of everything in the box via the three period lesson.
Once the various parts are known, introduce the noun cards (black outline). If your child is a new reader, it may be helpful to simplify the noun set by removing more difficult words.
As your child progresses, you can begin to offer more words. Here are a few examples of how the experience can progress over time.
It is not necessary to name the parts of speech. In fact, it is often more meaningful to the child if they independently discover how the various color coded sets are used. The cards have been color coded to match the Montessori Grammar Symbols. An older child who has experience with that material will be able to make the correlation.
But the fun doesn't stop there! Here is an example of our Musical Instruments mini environment. I was able to purchase a full set of matching grammar cards from LDA Montessori.
As you can see, you can turn any Toob set into a miniature environment to help expand vocabulary and explore grammar. I prefer to store each set in a small box so my children can choose. However, if space is limited, you can rotate the available option.
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This post is part of the 12 Months of Montessori Series. I am truly honored to be part of this endeavor. Don't forget to visit all of the participating blogs to learn more about Language Arts.
I love how you used the felt scape with the miniatures, great idea :)
ReplyDeleteLooks like we were thinking on similar wave lengths. I love the instrument activity!
ReplyDeleteLooks like we were thinking on similar wave lengths. I love the instrument activity!
ReplyDeleteThese are beyond adorable! I'm going to have to make the ocean one for Henry! Great idea!
ReplyDeleteLOVE this idea -- and thanks for the printable!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun activity! We love TOOBS! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Bess, this is just so beautiful! This inspired me to work back in grammar using your technique! Love how you demonstrated using the toobs and felt :) Oh my! Genius!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a wonderful hands-on play experience for learning how to read. Thanks for the free printable!
ReplyDeleteSo excited to find this. We have all the materials to make these great boxes and I love the use of felt! Easy to store!
ReplyDeleteThe sentence check provides you best source to understand to help expand vocabulary and explore grammar.
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