Cold Weather Dressing Basket

A very important component of Montessori Philosophy is Independence.  Anything that parents and teachers can  provide to do for him/herself is a great benefit to the child.  This week’s activity is considered Practical Life, Care of Self.

For each major seasonal change, I like to provide a dressing basket to prepare and practice for the upcoming weather.  In our Winter Dressing Basket, the children learn independence as they work to put the hats, gloves, mittens, scarves, boots, and snow pants on themselves. Since there is no rush or urgency to get out in that soft snow just yet, they can have the time to explore with the winter items on their own time. I find that at home and in a classroom, practicing as an activity makes for a smooth transition when these items are used in everyday outings.

In a classroom setting, I like to introduce mitten matching (and mitten dressing) throughout November. What do your children need to practice for winter? Your cozily-dressed child (and their teacher) will thank you!

Jessie is a Primary Montessori Teacher and Mom to twin three year olds and a five year old. Jessie has a Montessori blog at The Education of Ours, and can be found on Twitter.