Sunday, March 1, 2009

Shake, shake, shake! Shake your . . . (and a give-away!)

Shake, shake, shake! Shake, shake, shake your shakers! (can you imagine the song in your head . . . c'mon, you can hear it, right?) This is fun for all ages - and sooooo easy to do!

Here's what you need: twelve identical film canisters (they must be identical - and black!) and some dry goods out of your pantry. I used some whole nutmeg, dried lima beans, dried black beans, dried split peas, rice, and sesame seeds. Your local film developer will be more than happy to share their recycled film canisters. They gave me forty easily - and if you actually go and ask them for some, get more than twelve - I'll show you something else to do with them later! You can also have a rug or towel to control your "area".

Here's why you should do it: This activity helps with auditory discrimination - that is, it helps your child listen closely to the sounds around them and become aware of slight differences. You can also add some language to this activity - louder, softer, etc.


First, I had Lawton help me assemble the shakers. We filled each pair half way full with a dry good. (2 with nutmeg, 2 with rice, 2 with black beans, etc.) Only fill them half way full so that they can actually shake and then snap the lid on tight. (We had split peas fly across the kitchen - and Carolina shoving them in her mouth as we scrambled to sweep them up . . . yowsa!) Put a sticker or a mark on the top of one of each pair.



Now, watch this video and we'll catch up at the end! (click on the words momtessori shakers and it will take you there . . . I had quite a time getting this to work!)


momtessori shakers from Laura Beth High on Vimeo.

Here's the recap!
  1. Choose one shaker from the "control" group and then go through the other group one at a time until a match is made. Put the matching pair at the top of the rug.
  2. You really don't have to (shouldn't) talk during this activity. This way your child can focus only on the sound of the shakers.

If you want to step it up a notch: Grade the sounds - that is, take one of each pair and arrange them from loudest to softest. Then add the language - "this is soft, this is louder, this is louder, this is louder, this is louder, this is loudest." or "This is loud, this is softer, this is softer, this is softer, this is softer, this is softest."


If you want to take it down a notch: (for the younger child) only use three pairs at first, (example: the sesame seeds, the black beans and the nutmeg)
Or, you can really take it down a notch and just let your baby just have a good ol' time making some noise! Carolina was gumming from ear to ear - and then gnawing on them at the same time, too!
Okay, my first (very small) Momtessori give away! I'm giving away a set of these shakers - not that they are glamorous or anything, but it will keep you from the "trouble" of making your own! Leave me a comment . . . I'll draw a name on Wednesday!

28 comments:

  1. Cute idea! I need to go through some of my teaching boxes and pull some games out. You've inspired me! :)

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  2. I just love this blog and all the ideas. Thanks for putting it together. We're hoping to get our Meredith into a Montessori school this fall and these ideas and concepts are just fascinating!

    Ruth Smith

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  3. That is really neat. I absolutely LOVE this blog! Love what you've done with your header. It is too cute. I can't wait to do these projects with my kids.

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  4. Thanks for all the great ideas Laura Beth! I love it when you show one version for the older kids and another way to do the same thing for the little ones!

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  5. love it lb. wish i had time to do more with my kids. after i read all of this, i feel like i neglect them! your header looks great. did you do it?!

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  6. I know you probably don't know me...but I came across your blog(s) from the Tuley family's blog. Although we may have gone to high school together...were you a DL mustang? :) I too was a teacher B.C. and I attended a Montesorri school as a child. I love your blog and all the fun ideas you are publishing...I've even passed it along to some friends...so you're getting quite a fan base! Please keep it up! My son is only 1, but I'll bet I can use some of these ideas with him soon! Thanks!

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  7. Great idea! Drew and Jackson would love some shakers!

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  8. Hey my friend Andrea Manor clued me onto your blog. I love this entry - - I'll keep checking for your new adventures. We homeschool our kidergartener (boy) and have a 4 yr old girl as well.

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  9. I LOVE your blog! Thanks so much for sharing your ideas. We've enjoyed the ones we have done. I went to Montessori school as a child and have many memories from those years. I've shared your blog with all my friends. Keep up the good work!

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  10. I really like all of your ideas! I need to take the time to do some of this!

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  11. Brody & I have tried some of your "activities" & have had lots of fun doing it... it sure beats playing with football guys! Ha! I've also found a use for all of those old beads that I used to make jewelry with. Where do you buy colored sand or find mardi gras beads?

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  12. LB,
    such fun ideas! count me in on the drawing. i'm spreading the word about it on my blog so hopefully a few more will come over before you draw a name tomorrow!

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  13. I found you through Annalee...so nice to "meet" you! At one time, I was an early childhood educator but now I'm a stay at home home to my 13 month old foster son (we are hoping to adopt him soon). So you can see I'm still using my teaching experience. (:

    I'm looking forward to reading more of your ideas. This is a great giveaway!

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  14. What a fun idea! I just stumbled across your blog and I can't wait read more about your creative ideas. I used to teach Kindergarten, but now stay home with our 15 month old daughter and I'm always looking for fun things to do at home with her! Thanks for sharing!

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  15. CUTE idea!!! came here from annalee's blog...
    i used to teach 5th grade and now stay at home ~

    thanks :)

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  16. How fun and creative!
    jbrok77@hotmail.com

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  17. Great shakers! Thanks for doing such a fun giveaway!
    Angie
    akcheatham@yahoo.com

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  18. im in school to teach preschool. im gonna have to add your blog! and i wanna win, too!

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  19. Great idea! Love to win!

    Hspesshardt@aol.com

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  20. This is a great website! You have awesome ideas.

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  21. I may be too late for the give-away (I hope not, though!), but I had to leave a comment. I found your site through Annalee's site (we were college roomies) and I LOVE your ideas! I am a stay-at-home-mommy and am always on the look out for new fun and creative ideas to do with my 15 month old, Casen. Thank you for sharing your creativity!!

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  22. Just discovered your blog...great ideas!!!

    tbmroberts at yahoo dot com

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  23. What a fun idea. I found your blog through Annalee's blog. I teach 2nd grade and have a 10 month old. Thanks for sharing the great idea. I am going to bookmark your blog :)

    Rebecca McLain

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  24. I just found your blog! I'm excited to try some of your ideas for my 10 month old!

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  25. This is such a great alternative to the Sound Cylinders which are super uber expensive! I am going to try this out with my little booger. She loves noise!

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  26. Great blog! Just found it through Annalee but I've subscribed to it so I can keep up with all your GREAT ideas.

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