Description

The Britannica dictionary, classifies insects as the largest class of the phylum (family) of Arthropoda.  This means that all animals with similar characteristics like, segmented bodies, jointed legs and external skeletons (exoskeleton) fall under the same class.  The Insect Matching Activity introduces the Child to a range of common insects, they will encounter in their daily life.  The 3 and 4 year old will enjoy this activity, as they love animals and insects at this age.

This form of hands-on teaching helps the Child to understand and internalise the concrete object through the look and feel of the miniature objects.  When confronted with the abstract image, their muscle memory will instinctively bring to mind that miniature insect, and this helps them recall the name of the insect.  The colour coded material is aligned to the Montessori Animal Kingdom.  Arthropods are coded yellow.

Examples of the Insects:

Features of the Insect Matching Activity:

• the direct objective:
  • to match a concrete object to an abstract image
  • expand the Child’s vocabulary
• indirectly, the Child:
  • improves their matching skills
  • develops self-confidence, focus, and concentration
  • gains an introduction to zoology
• aligned to the Montessori zoological curriculum

Contents of the Insect Matching Activity:

• 12 miniature, plastic insects
  • the plastic insects are BPA-free and non-toxic
• 12 coloured images, of real life insects
• a plastic container with lid

Sizes:

• cards – 9.5cm x 9.5cm / (3¾” x 3¾”)
• plastic container – 18cm x 13cm x 4cm / (7″ x 5″ x 1½”)

Further Reading and Resources:

Object to Picture Matching for Montessori Toddlers – The Kavanaugh Report

Arthropod – Brittanica