like white on rice
JBug was all over this activity last week.
I dug into our Asia continent box and put together a tray to reinforce the concepts of place value and exchanging, which JBug still struggles with from time to time. The enameled dragon tray contains a small bowl of rice grains, a pair of chopsticks, some Chinese coins, and a little ancient Chinese soldier figure. Superboy very kindly made up some little cards with the Kanji for the multiples of ten, (plus the Kanji for Rice paddy as a decorative touch).
We set it up as a little pretend game. The soldier was selling rice, 100 grains for one coin, and she was the buyer. She used a chopstick to count out the grains, ten at a time, until she got to 100, and then exchange them for one coin. She kept track of her counting by using the tens Kanji cards as she went along.
She happily bought rice from the little man for quite some time.
Oh, and as an added point of interest I sprinkled a tiny bit of Chinese five spices powder in with the rice grains, which added a further sensorial component as she counted the grains. Very pleasant.
I have to tell you, I get such a kick out of making up these activities for the kiddos.I hope I don’t bore you people to tears posting about them. I just love to share them as they add such a delightful touch to our days.
Filed under: JBug, living math, montessori
Are you kidding? I love to see such wonderfully creative ideas such as this. I envy all the Chinese things you have. Makes me want to set up something like this for my kiddos.
-Phyllis
You are not boring me! I love seeing all your ideas and trying them out with my kids. Thank you so much for sharing them on your blog.
What a fun idea! I love to be inspired by your trays & activities – don’t ever stop!
Theresa! I love your stories. You have me wanting to pick up rice grains, and I am way older than your crew of students!
I can honestly say that I have never been bored while on your site! Thanks for the inspiration!
I enjoy the activities you share and look forward to them very much. I have often found ideas that work with my girls in our homeschool here and look forward to your other posts too.
Never boring, always enjoyable and a pleasure to visit!! Tell JBug she did a great job, what a fun activity!! xxoo
You must never stop! If you did I would be seriously stuck for ideas of what to do with my bunch. The man with the grains of rice – excellent idea as always.
Keep on with the inspiration
I passed on an award to you and your blog, hope you will accept it!
http://canadianhomelearning.blogspot.com/2009/11/new-reading-challenge-award-and-500th.html
I love your activities. They are creative, fun and provide great learning experiences, a great mix for a true education. I’m truly grateful you take the time to share. You not only come up with great activities, but also provide an example of what home education and home educators can be.
Thanks again.
Boring? Not remotely. I am not good at thinking up activities like that on my own, but my 7yo would be enamored. Must make an effort ….
Great idea!! Love the added sensory experience. Really I just love the whole idea, as will my kids I’m sure. Thanks!
I love this activity. I am new to Montessori and looking for ideas. This one I love and will keep for future use when my daughter is older. She Is from China and we are always looking for ways to incorporate parts of her culture into a lesson…
just came across your site as i was searching about ways to incorporate montessori style activities in our home. I am really enjoying your website. One thing I struggle with is keeping things organized. Bringing out certain activities, storing them and remembering where I put them when I need them. Any ideas?
I wish! I am the most disorganized person around!If you come up with any ideas, let me know!