Red Rods | Montessori Sensorial Lesson | Original 1940s Presentation

Lessons based off original 1946 transcripts from Maria Montessori teacher training course. This material is sometimes called The Long Rods. Start with the longest rod, build towards yourself. This is the same way we build the Number Rods. Never start with the smallest rod. (But don’t correct the child if he starts with the smallest one.) Align all rods on the left side Trace the length of the rod after you place it. This is essential because it gives the physical impression of length, not just visual. General advice for all Montessori lesson presentations • Model correct procedure- don’t take shortcuts. • Keep your motions economical. Don't add extra touching or moving. Don't wave your hands (or pieces) around "looking for the next piece," use your eyes. Don't touch something unless you are going to move it. Don't fiddle with something after it's placed, place it perfectly the first time. • Say, “Come with me, I have something to show you.” • Start at the shelf. Have the child take the work off the shelf. • If the child rejects your lesson, let them. It’s no big deal, don’t take it personally. It’s better to preserve the relationship and trust than make them sit through a lesson they don’t want. • Take out all the pieces needed to do the work. • Lay out pieces randomly. • Start the lesson with, “Watch.” • If attention wanders, pause until their attention comes back. If it doesn’t come back you could say “Watch” again, or you may need to put the work away before completing the lesson. It’s case by case. • If there is a point of interest you want to emphasize, use pauses, pointing, and “dramatic noticing” to good effect. As children make errors, you’ll learn which parts need emphasis. • DON’T CORRECT MISTAKES. Don’t “represent” while they are working- that is a correction. Don’t “show them a better way” while they are working- that is a correction.