The Wordsmith's Forge

These are the content notes for "The Release of Human Potentialities."


"Education should no longer be mostly imparting of knowledge but must take a new path, seeking the release of human potentialities."
-- Maria Montessori

The "magic words" make up a short list of social expressions that typically include things like please, thank you, you're welcome, excuse me, and I'm sorry / I apologize. Most people learn these are children. The problem is, they don't actually work the same for everyone, and young people who are routinely mistreated will sensibly classify them in the same category as fairytale magic words like "abracadabra" that don't really do anything. Ironically, a demand for courtesy is exactly what tends to summon the Rude Little Beast -- that's a perfect image of gradeschool Shiv responding to a mean teacher.

A hex key or Allen wrench is a tool for screws or bolts that have an internal hexagonal recess in the head.

Edison is a genius, but his physical dexterity is developing slower than average, likely because of devoting so much of his bodily resources to brainpower. He has been progressing through Montessori materials in the Practical Life area, mostly things aimed at younger children although this school system emphasizes allowing children to progress at their own pace through each subject. A number of tool sets exist for different types of hardware such as Nuts & Bolts, Hexagonal Screws, Phillips Head Screws, and Allen Key Screws.

This hex set is what Edison just finished. The board is stored with all the screws in their sockets. The goal is to remove the screws one at a time using the hex key and place them into the cup on the board, then screw them back in place, without fumbling anything. This develops hand and arm strength, dexterity, and fluency with a common hand tool.

Because of the tiny nuts and bolts at the right end, this set is probably too difficult for Edison to use yet.

This Screw Driver Board features 3 tools (double-sided screwdriver, hex wrench, and crescent wrench) for 9 different screw types. The diversity makes it a good choice for Edison at this stage, and having some familiar items will help him work through it without getting frustrated.

The Locks and Keys set is presented with the locks in the locked position and the keys in a separate row, in random order. The goal is to try the keys one at a time on the first lock until it opens, then return the lock to its position. After opening all of the locks, relock them and separate the keys to return the tray to its starting configuration.

Of course, Shiv's impression of seeing a set of different locks is that they are intended for lockpicking practice, which makes him wonder what this is doing in a store for children's learning materials.

HAMshack is a Terramagne-American version of the old amateur electronics stores such as Radio Shack. It does not sell finished products, only components and kits for amateur radio and other electronics. It also stocks a variety of tools and hardware useful for small crafts and inventions, like the modular parts for the Everything You Can't So You Can system. It is very popular; most towns have at least one. The selection varies widely based on local needs and interests. Some have fairly simple materials, while others range up into gizmotronic gear.

STEMZ stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Zetetics.

Birds of North America: A Guide To Field Identification
Spot the silhouette of a Northern Goshawk in flight. Identify the raucous call of the Red-winged Blackbird. Discover the secret of picking out a Chipping Sparrow from its look-alike cousins. It's simple with this classic field guide, a treasured favorite among amateur bird lovers and exacting professionals.

Mammals: A Fully Illustrated, Authoritative and Easy-to-Use Guide
An accurate and fascinating introduction to more than 200 of the most common species of mammals in North America, including information on:
-Habits and habitats
-Family trees
-Raising young
-Foods, enemies, and more
Full-color illustrations accent features that help you to recognize each animal in its natural environment. Range maps show where various species can be found.

Wildflowers of North America: A Guide to Field Identification
Identify the red splash of an Indian Paintbrush. Recognize the odor of burning Sage. Find the graceful Jack-in-the-Pulpit, hidden in shady swamplands-and realize that wildflowers are a heritage to enjoy and cherish. No other field guide covers so vast a geography or such an abundance of species, making this exquisitely illustrated volume preferred for nature studies, educational projects, and scientific needs.

Montessori materials Wooden tracing board
Interhemispheric boards or labyrinths, graphomotor stencil, "Hemispheric board" - a simulator for the development of interhemispheric interaction in children.
Ideal gift for children. Wooden stencil set Montessori materials - ideal for the development of imagination, spatial thinking, logic, motor skills and perseverance.
Please select your desired pattern for the mirror labyrinths (see picture stencils variations for all designs)
Main goal of our personalized puzzles to develop imagination, encourages to research and natural curiosity, which further will help to receive quick account and letter skill.
It help children to spent time with interest and benefit.

Montessori Wooden Tracing Board Labyrinth Stencils and Frame

A First Sand Tray - for Pre-Writing Skills!!

Montessori Sand Tracing Tray
Description: Tracing on sand helps the child develop confidence in forming letters and numbers in freehand style.
Sand and a smoothing tool is included. Additional sand is available for purchase.
Sandpaper letters sold separately.
Features:
Includes a slot for holding sandpaper letters, numerals, or other shapes
Tray dimensions: 34 cm x 25 cm x 3.5 cm.

Metal Insets are introduced as a prewriting tool. Shapes can be formed with other objects. There are basic to advanced exercises. You can use the shapes to make complex designs, animals, robots, or other things. You can make a booklet of sample images from lessons. Trays may also be made from cardboard or wood.

Montessori Metal Insets Ellipse Beetle

Montessori Metal Insets Quatrefoil Tree

Montessori Metal Insets Ellipse Penguin

The Metal Insets, stands etc (archived on Wayback and Ghost)
£14.88 – £420.00
The Metal Insets £147.74
Metal Inset Stands £69.00
Empty Wall Frame £420.00
Inset paper x 500 sheets £14.88
Inset paper box £18.34
Dr. Montessori analysed the movements that are connected with writing and developed The Metal Insets for directly preparing the child for handwriting. Use of this materials strengthens the three-finger grip and coordinates the necessary wrist movements. The exercises also advance proficiency in lightness of touch and evenness of pressure through drawing activities. The Metal Insets invite unlimited geometric design possibilities. Material consists of: 10 metal insets and frames.
The Metal Inset Stands consist of two sloping stands: 1 for straight-sided figures and 1 for curve-sided figures.
Floor/Wall frame for the Metal Insets is a beech plywood frame for holding the Metal Insets and other necessary materials. Floor standing or wall mounted. Measures 72 x 23 x 76cm

Montessori Metal Insets Set of 10 Shapes

Montessori Metal Inserts on Shelf with Colored Pencils and Paper

Montessori Metal Inserts Fractions Circles Squares Triangles

Montessori Metal Inserts Concentric Figures Circles Squares

Different types of lines and shading can create texture in art.

The first part of this series focuses on texture, and the second part has links to more articles about drawing techniques.

Shiv loves art worksheets. With the metal inserts, he can copy them in larger sizes to work with different media such as paint or creme pastels.

Drawing Texture with Bamboo Art Worksheet

Value Scales with Textures Filled Art Handout

Value Scales with Textures and Squares to Fill Art Worksheet

Value Scales with Crosshatching Scale and Squares to Fill Art Worksheet

Five Elements of Shading Art Worksheet

Value Sphere Art Worksheet

Shading Value Scale with Circles Art Worksheet

Shading Techniques with Triangles Art Worksheet

Elements of Art Value with Different Shapes Art Worksheet

A Monochrome Art Worksheet helps explore tints and shades. Watch a video about making tints and shades.

Color Theory Wheel with Color Sets Art Worksheet

Color Theory Wheel with Color Sets Gillis Blank Art Worksheet

Color Theory Wheel with Color Sets Gillis Filled Art Handout

How to Learn Art on the Cheap

How to Draw for Beginners with Dexterity Issues

The Montessori 3-Part Cards have basic and extended uses. Shiv is not a skilled reader, but he likes having a word wall and loves pictures, so this kind of tool works well for him.

Montessori 3-Part Cards Free Printables

Montessori 3-Part Cards Backyard Birds (25 cards)

Montessori 3-Part Cards Flowers (28 cards)

Montessori 3-Part Cards Wildlife of North America (23 cards)

Montessori 3-Part Cards Sea Animals (36 cards)

Alternity offers bulk bins of popular toys. The miscellaneous Erector Set bin includes metal struts, plates, wheels, gears, nuts and bolts for assembly, tools like hex wrenches or crescent wrenches, even a few of the scarcer things like motors and winches. These are typically sold by the pound and sent home in a bag or a lidded bucket. Other bins hold tinker toys, Lincoln logs, building blocks, Legos, programmable robotic modules, and so on.

Shiv's Erector Set Loose Parts from Graham at Alternity

Montessori uses the Colored Bead Material to teach many mathematical concepts.

Decanomial Bead Bar Box: Individual Beads (Glass)
This set of bead bars is used for building the decanomial. The multiplication tables from 1-10 may be constructed in geometric form using the beads. Includes 55 of each of the colored bead bars from 1-10 and a wooden box for storage.

Golden Bead Material: Individual Beads (Glass)
The Golden Bead Material introduces the child to the decimal system with concrete representations of the hierarchy of numbers. Quantity and place value is explored by the child through activities in the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. The Set Contains:
• 100 - Golden Bead Units in a plastic box
• 45 - Golden Bars Of 10 In Box
• 10 - Golden Bead Squares Of 100
• 45 - Wooden Squares Of 100
• 1 - Golden Bead Cube Of 1000
• 9 - Wooden Cubes Of 1000
• 3 - Boxes containing the Small Number Cards 1-3000
• 1 - Box containing the Small Number Cards 1-9000
• 1 - Box containing the Large Number Cards 1-1000
• 1 - Box containing the Large Number Cards 1-9000
• 3 - Wooden trays each with 2 Unit Bead Cups

The Montessori Bead Cabinet stores the colored beads and some of the golden beads.

This kind of workboard has two cutout handles. One side has a very low lip while the other is completely flat and smooth. It's ideal for floor work or other cases where the tall rim of a typical work tray would get in the way.

Coloring is a basic childhood skill with many benefits. The first requirement for mark-making is the ability to hold an object, and grasp develops over time. A highly visual baby may start banging away as soon as they can pick up food, soap, or a dirt clod. Some will be ready around 1 year, others may not show interest until later. Coloring pages for beginners should have very simple imagery, but even those are often too fiddly; it's best to start with geometric shapes. Coloring is also a prelude to drawing (early or later) and writing skills. Here are some tips on how to teach coloring skills.

When the Crayons Went on Strike is a Terramagne-American children's book from Montessori literature, commonly used in Grace and Courtesy lessons. Upset by children's rough treatment -- like throwing crayons or using them on scratchy brick walls -- the crayons climb out of their box and go on strike, demanding better working conditions. The silly story teaches children to be gentle with their toys, but also points out that you don't have to put up with people being mean to you, because you can insist on better treatment or leave.

A Montessori grasping ball, or puzzle ball, is a soft ball made from geometric shapes so that it has ridges which are easy for babies to hold. These can be made from fabric scraps with a moderate amount of sewing skill.

The Rainbow Fabric Ball has eight wedges for easy grasping. Each wedge has a different color, pattern, texture, and/or sound.

Dysfunctional families can go wrong in a lot of different ways. Adult children of dysfunctional families tend to develop similar traits as a result of their unfortunate childhood, such as the fact that they don't know what normal looks like. There are ways to overcome the maladaptive rules and recover from the toxic parenting. This page explores family dysfunctions and how to work through them.

Assorted Art Brads in Flower Box

Celtic knotwork is fun to draw.