Montessori Inspired Lessons: Pencil Sharpening

Building Practical Life Skills: Pencil Sharpening

Most, if not all, Montessori activities are introduced via a lesson. A lesson is when the adult introduces a new activity by showing the child the parts of the activity, the necessary materials, and how to use it appropriately.

Pencil Sharpening

Materials
Tray
Pencil holder
Pencil(s)
Pencil Sharpener
Dish to put shavings in

Introduction: Ask the child to bring the tray from the shelf to you. Sit with the child and name the various items.
Pick up the pencil and the sharpener. Show the child the tip of the unsharpened pencil.Place the pencil in the sharpener and turn the pencil clock wise over the shaving container.Show the child the slightly sharpened pencil.

Ask them if it needs to be sharpened more?
How many times should they turn the pencil before it is sharp?

Once it is sharpened, place the pencil back on the holder. Pick up the next pencil to sharpen. Once completed, show the child how to empty the shaving container into the waste basket.

Give the activity to the child to begin working.



**At this time, in my current understanding of Montessori, this is how I view a lesson.