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A Guide for the Montessori Classroom: Fall
The first in a set of four teaching manuals for the classroom or home school.
The overall theme is based on Maria Montessori’s cosmic education. Working from the whole to the parts, the guides begin with a study of the child and his or her immediate environment and expands to the greater picture of our universe and solar system. We return to our earth to investigate the four elements, an overview of the seven continents, time lines, our continent, our country, our state, our city. The year continues with exploration of each continent’s culture, art, geography, biomes, plants, animals, and people. The child gains a sense of self and of community, a connection with the natural world, an empathy with all of earth’s inhabitants, and an increased sense of belonging in the cosmos.
The cosmic theme is cyclical rather than linear. Each year is a step upward in a spiral of learning as the child follows his interests to explore each area of study at her own level and pace. Building on the solid foundation established in the primary classroom (ages 3 to 6) the elementary child is eager to explore the why’s and how’s of things in greater detail as they expand into related areas of interest. Guidelines for using with ages 3 to 6 and 6 to 12 are included.
Designed to be flexible in use, the guides integrate practical life, grace and courtesy, peace curriculum, the Great Lessons, sensorial, math, language, sign language, science, botany, zoology, geography, music, yoga / body awareness, and art into a meaningful theme. A springboard for launching into various subjects of interest to nourish the growth of each child, the guides provide a framework and starting point for new teachers as well as a source of inspiration for experienced teachers. The curriculum encourages care and compassion for all living things, self discovery and sense of wonder, cooperation, and a responsibility for self and the environment. Observation, journaling, and adapting and modifying these guides according to the needs of the children are important components of their use.
The four guides are arranged in daily plan format and can be used as is if desired. They are to be used in combination with the individual needs and interests of the children. Rearrange, expand upon, or select specific themes and lessons according to those needs. The guides provide a balanced and complete foundation to use and expand upon.
The set is divided into seasons in title only, as a way to divide the curriculum into quarters. The Summer guide is an essential part of the complete curriculum. Some schools, with or without a summer session, use a two-year period to do one complete cycle of the curriculum. Or it may be integrated into a nine or ten month program, or one cycle completed in a twelve month period. Seasonal themes may need to be rearranged or modified for local climate and location.
The guides may be adapted for use in any continent, country or state. Use the examples in the guides for adapting for your own locality. Plug in your continent, country, or state where appropriate and rearrange as needed. For example, insert your continent in the place of North America and move North America to where your continent was in the curriculum.
To see an overview of the year- from my About Me page use the link to my website and click on Overview of the Year.
The guides contain instructions for the non-Montessori work lessons used in the curriculum. The non-Montessori work includes traditional materials that are readily available or that may be hand-made.
The companion book to the guides- Supplement to the Guides: Instructions for the Montessori Work, developed especially for homeschool parents, contains instructions for all the Montessori work in the order introduced in the curriculum. The supplement includes simple instructions for many materials that may be hand made. Also included is a list of sources for purchasing other materials used in the curriculum. Available in this eBay store-- Combine it with this item with no additional shipping.
The Fall guide has lessons for September, October, and November:
September subjects include: The Peaceful Classroom, Nature Table, Care of Animals, Grace & Courtesy, Parts of the Body (external and internal), Care of the body, Senses, Feelings
October includes: Human Needs, Family, Community, Universe, Solar System, Our Planet Earth
November continues with Earth- The Lithosphere, Minerals, Mountains, Drifting continents, Volcanos, Native America, Oceans, Water Cycle, The Magnetosphere, The Atmosphere, Gravity, Energy, Night Sky, Energy, Weather, and Early America.
The Fall guide introduces the first 48 of the 95 yoga poses in the set of 4 guides. Easy to follow instructions for integrating yoga into the classroom or home school are included. Yoga calms the mind and the body, oxygenates the brain, increases focus and concentration.
Instructions for making and presenting "Celebration of Life"- a meaningful way to honor a child's life accomplishments and birthday
Teachers and home school parents love the theme related book lists!
Inspirational quotes by Maria Montessori are found throughout the book.
An important feature is a weekly journal page for notes, observations, and planning.
The manual is 8 1/2" x 11" and contains 160 pages with text on both sides. It is spiral bound to fold back and lay flat while in use.
Created by Gini Newcomb- Montessori certified since 1985 with 15 years classroom experience
B.A. in Studio Art with a Minor in Art History
Use the link to my website on my  page to see sample pages from the books.
The complete set of 4 is available in our ebay store  at a substantial savings.
Some comments by users of the guides:
Gini, I received the package yesterday. I have only skimmed through "Fall" and already love it! It took me a long time to decide to buy these guides because I am on a really tight budget and was afraid of making a mistake. Turns out they are exactly what I was looking for!!! Thank you so much. ~ Aida
Dear Ms. Gini, Thank you so very much. The supplement and art arrived very quickly. I've been able to set up the classroom and make some of the new works for September's guide. Thanks for taking the time to put together the curriculum guides in such an easy to understand order. It really made setting up the areas quick and easy. Sincerely, Cheryl P
Hi Gini, We are using the books for our Preschool and Kindergarten and absolutely love them, they are such a welcome relief at the end of the day when we plan for the 'morrow. Before, we would sit around, scratching our head, and then running around all night getting things ready! Huge thanks, Sharlene
Dear Gini, I ordered your manuals earlier this year. I can not tell you how pleased my staff and I are with them. They are the most comprehensive manuals I have ever seen. They are chock full of excellent ideas as well as inspirational. I love how you capture the essence of Maria Montessori’s spiritual aims for Early Childhood Education. ~ Maryann M
I recently bought your curriculum and must tell you, it's the most comprehensive and fantastic thing ever! Between the incredibly well thought out lessons and the very thorough reading lists, I have enough ideas going to fuel me for the next 10 years! You should be very, very proud of this curriculum, it speaks volumes about the diligence and caring of the person who wrote it. ~ Alison P
I just wanted to tell you how much we are enjoying using your Fall curriculum suggestions. I've been a Montessori guide for 25 years and your book gives me lots of fresh, new activities! Very well thought out and lots of fun! I look forward to purchasing the Winter guide. Many thanks. ~ Mary C.
I just wanted to let you know that I received the book today and I LOVE it. I can't wait to get the others. Thanks, Shari
Gini, Thanks for the wonderful classroom guide. It’s what I’ve been looking for for years. I did my Montessori training 30 years ago and have gathered many good ideas from fellow teachers & my own creativity, but your manuals are a terrific addition! Thank you. Gratefully, J. Mc
Hello Gini, I’ve received my books and am so delighted with the books. It has become like a spiritual reading for me. I’m thrilled with your ideas and helpful suggestions. As I acquaint myself with the books I will be in touch with you. Wishing you the best with this endeavor. ~ Marilyn F.
I have all four of your books and LOVE them. As a new Montessori teacher, what order to present various areas of the curriculum was my greatest concern. You’ve been a tremendous help! Thanks for the terrific work! ~ Dru
Gini, I just wanted to thank you for your wonderful Guides for the Montessori Classroom. They were exactly what I needed. ~ Clare, Dublin, Ireland
Hi Gini, I just want to tell you how much I LOVE the lesson plan books. They are so helpful, well thought out, beautifully designed. Lots of ideas that cover the entire Montessori curriculum. It must have taken you a lot of time to put together. I appreciate that you did this project. It will make my school year easier. I have been teaching Montessori for 6 years and I am really excited about teaching this year. Like you said, it will allow teachers more time with family, friends, and the things that nourish the spirit. ~ Denise L.
Dear Gini, I have really enjoyed using your guides for the Montessori classroom. This is my first year teaching in a new Montessori school and it has been really helpful. It looks like you had a wonderful Montessori program full of fun and meaningful activities. Thanks again! Anna R. | 
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