Reflection: Building Blocks for Future Learning

I graduated from Evergreen Montessori House (EMH) over 20 years ago, but the lessons I learned during my time there still impact my daily life. During my four years at EMH, Ms. Gargi supplied me with the tools and guidance to choose my own course of learning; nothing was out of my reach. By directing my own course of learning, I floated into the distant galaxies of the solar system and traveled to the Amazon rainforest, where I befriended sloths and swam with pink river dolphins. Math was not an abstract concept. I could see how each number got bigger as I counted my way to one hundred (see post “The Montessori Method and Math”). Nothing has changed at Evergreen Montessori House; students are still empowered to take control of their education. 

My experience at Evergreen Montessori House created a desire in me to learn and investigate the world around me. We never truly stop learning and never stop using our imagination; even today I explore the universe and swim with dolphins. My time at Evergreen Montessori House helped establish a firm foundation upon which I continue to build my library of knowledge. 

Paper Dolls in a Kimono

Currently, we are learning about the different countries and cultures in Asia. The kimono is a beautiful dress from Japan that children that fascinate the children: the exact symmetric folds, pretty colors and unique designs all attract their attention.

Materials:

• Cardstock
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Construction paper
• Stapler
• Crayons or color pencils or markers

Directions

1. On a piece of cardstock, draw the outline of the paper doll, according to the image shown. Using scissors, cut the doll out of the paper.

2. Using a pencil, draw a face and an outline for the hair on the doll. Color the doll.

3. Cut 2 piece of construction paper in half. The construction paper should be 2 different colors. Choose one piece to go on top and the second piece to go on the bottom. Please note, for some children, it is too difficult to fold the two pieces. It is alright to only fold the top half, using one piece of construction paper.

 4. Line the construction paper that will go on the top with the dolls neck. On one side, fold the top corner down to the opposite side.

5. Fold the corner of overlapping construction paper back.

6. Fold the other top corner towards the opposite side. Fold the corner of the over lapping construction paper back. The top half of the kimono is completed. If you are working with younger children, this may be where to end the craft. If so, have the child decorate the kimono. If the children are able to fold according to directions, move on to the next step.

7. Line up the bottom half of the doll in the middle of the construction paper. Fold one side over. Fold the part of the kimono that overlaps back.

8. Fold the other side of the kimono over. Fold the overlapping side back.

9. Decorate the kimono.