Description
The Child is never too young to learn. During her lifetime of work Maria Montessori discovered that young children move through a series of phases. This is when they are especially attracted to specific developmental needs, and interests. She called these times, “sensitive periods”. Introducing the Growth Process of a Chicken Puzzle during this stage of their development, satisfies many of these different needs.
These beautifully layered, wooden puzzles demonstrate the concept of the growth cycle, in real images. The series shows the passage of time with the development of the images. Each phase of growth is larger and requires more pieces to complete the picture. The Child lifts each piece out of the wooden frame, positioning their right hand index finger, under the indentations.
“He learns everything without knowing he is learning it, and in doing so he passes little by little from the unconscious to the conscious, treading always in the paths of joy and love.” – The Absorbent Mind – Maria Montessori, pg. 24
Features of the Growth Process of a Chicken Puzzle:
- the direct objective of this material:
- to introduce the Child to the concept of the cycle of life of a chicken
- indirectly the Child intuitively understands:
- the process of growth from a concrete perspective
- a foundation of mathematics (grading, sizing and shapes)
- problem solving
- their fine motor skills improve as they manipulate the puzzle pieces
- the oval shape of the wooden puzzles require focus; and concentration; to piece together
- aligned to the Montessori sensorial curriculum
Contents of the Growth Process of a Chicken Puzzle:
- a wooden puzzle with four layers
- the bottom layer of the puzzle is blank
- an image on each of the following layers of wooden pieces illustrates the next four stages:
- eggs in a nest
- young chick, hatching
- young chick, a few days old
- adult hen
- an indented finger-hold, lifts each layer of puzzle piece. This indentation must be on the right hand side
- the puzzle pieces may require some manipulation into position
- beautifully illustrated ‘real’ images explain the cycle of life.
Size: 18 x 18 x 2 cm / (7″ x 7″ x ¾”)
Related Products
- young children move through a series of “sensitive” phases when they are particularly attracted to specific developmental needs and interests.
-
Life cycle of green bean plant 0bjects, together with the activity, will help the Child to work through their sensory phases.
Further Reading and Reference Material
- A beautiful blog about the sensitive periods from birth to six years of age by the Kavanaugh Report
-
13 Benefits of puzzles for child development by Empowered Parents.com
laurien400 (verified owner) –
Such a great idea using actual images instead of cartoon looking images. Nifty product!