May 16, 2007

Mexico Findings and Miniature Object Swap

We're back from our whirlwind trip to Mexico City. Hope you enjoyed the pics! Here's a few classroom goods that I picked up at various markets around the city. If you ever find yourself in the there, be sure to check out the Coyoacan and Lagunilla markets on Saturdays and Sundays.Click on the picture to enlarge. I found some great children's outfits, along with THE BEST child-sized sombrero, for my continent-classified clothing/dress up. The girl's dress is hand-embroidered in typical southern Mexico style. And a mini woven poncho for boys! Other knick-knacks are: two sets of small pitchers for pouring exercises, a hand-painted seed shaker (traditional percussion instrument,) a blue tile tray and matching set of small bowls for spooning, a collection of miniature food made from painted clay for use in sound games, a few baskets, an Aztec clay flute from Teotihuacan, a few small spoons, and a traditional doll for the North America continent box.

We zoomed around at lightening speed through the markets and historic sites ... not to mention trying to keep up with the night life of our single friends! At 26, Patrick and I are old and married, and not used to crazy dancing. I think I'll spend the next few days sleeping. Ha! If only. I have parent/teacher conferences in the afternoons until the end of May. Material making is going tortoise-speed.

In the meantime, I thought I'd organize another swap. Our last swap is over -- all of the packages have been mailed off. Please allow 4-6 weeks delivery time, as your package might be arriving from overseas. Thanks to all who participated, and I hope you enjoy your ethnic children's clothing!

The theme for this swap will be Miniature Objects for Sound Analysis.

Here are the rules of engagement:

1.) Each participant needs to email me by Sunday, May 20 at montessorirevolution(at)gmail(dot)com
and give me the following information:
a.) the mailing address where you wish to receive your package. This could be your home address, your school's, or a post office box.

2.) By Tuesday, May 22, you will receive an email from me letting you know where you will be sending your package. You will be sending one package to one person - postage could be international, so keep this in mind if you want to participate.

3.) Prepare your package.
a.) Send 5 miniature objects that can be used for Sound Games to your swap partner. Please, avoid plastic unless the object is super cool. The objects can be former key chains, doll house furniture/items, hand-made, blown glass, clay, etc. Use your imagination!
b.) Include a short note in the package introducing yourself, your Montessori background, school, family, etc.

4.) Send your package by June 2. In exchange, you will be receiving your own package shortly from another Montessorian.

5.) Email me and let me know that you have mailed your package! This will allow me to monitor who should be receiving a package when, and will help the sender know when to check on their sent package to see if it could have gotten misplaced en route.

Okay, y'all ... fill up my inbox! This is an easy and fun swap, so I expect a lot of participants!

Peace,
Meg


5 comments:

Helga said...

what's the sound game?

Meg McElwee said...

Some call it the "I Spy" game ... with these objects, you will tell the child in the first period of the lesson, "lion begins with l," "cake begins with c," "snake begins with s." The initial sounds are given. Then you play the "hand me the object that begins with l, ... "put the object that begins with c on my elbow," etc. This is the second period. Here you can also say "I spy with my little eye, something that begins with s." Then comes the third period, when you ask the child to recall the info. "Lion begins with what sound?" Hope this helps.

jojoebi-designs said...

how minature are the minatures? What kind of size objects are you looking for?

MM said...

Ilove this blog

Meg McElwee said...

Hi Jo, I didn't see your comment until just now. I would say that 5-6cm would be the maximum size. :)