I hope everyone has been staying as safe as possible and practicing good social distancing. I also hope that people are taking advantage of going outside and exercising if possible. If you are working during this time, know that you are appreciated, important, and you are literally keeping society going.

Thank you.

It seems like the cases of coronavirus are leveling off in Illinois, so we may see some adjustments to the stay at home order that goes until April 30th. However, it cannot be certain when schools will go back in session, so I will continue to post lessons suited for home use. In the meantime, we are doing our best to provide online instruction to our older students wherever it is possible, and encouraging our younger students to continue working on their practical life skills at home.

First and foremost, as stated above, practical life skills would be an excellent component to reinforce. There are also many modes of exercise that one can do at home, such as calisthenics, running, and yoga. Depending on where you live, hiking or exploring trails can be a great mode of exercise that also helps us appreciate nature. We shouldn’t overlook play; forts made out of couch cushions or running around the backyard are fun and therapeutic.

 While I am out of school, what I will continue to post lessons for free that I typically sell online, slightly rewritten to accommodate the fact that the game will be played by only a few people at a time (parents and kids) and at home (either inside or outside). What I want is everyone to have access to these games in this time of uncertainty; money and resources should not be a factor to have quality Montessori physical education instruction. If you are in a position to support me by purchasing programs and lessons, I would be very grateful, but the ultimate goal is doing the most good.

 This is also a thank you to everyone who has already purchased my lessons and albums, those that have downloaded my free lessons, those who have attended my presentations, and for everyone who appreciates my work in person or through social media engagement. I appreciate the Montessori and physical education communities for showing interest in my philosophy of integrating physical education with the Montessori classroom.

 Without further ado:

Volcano

Excerpts from Montessori Physical Education Volume Two (Both Volumes One and Two on sale for $29 each)

Volcano

Montessori Physical Education

 

Introduction:

One of the most iconic natural phenomena that happens on Earth is a volcanic eruption. Humans have always been in awe of volcanoes, and for good reason. Their destructive capabilities are fearsome, whether from the lava flow, or the ash cloud that can reach for miles. Throughout time, there are many stories and myths from all around the world that center on the destructive capability of volcanoes. Yet for all their destructive power, we love them and live on them! Volcanoes bring nutrient rich matter to the surface, which changes soil composition. After the destruction, there is tremendous regrowth in an area hit by lava flow. Humans live on volcanoes, especially in archipelagos around Asia and Oceania because of the lush flora and fauna. Many humans have prized the igneous stone obsidian, which is made from volcanic activity.

Students absolutely love volcanoes. Whether they are learning about lava and eruptions, or making model volcanoes themselves, volcanoes are a favorite of many students. With this fun and exciting lesson, students will be able to live out their fantasy of creating an eruption while simultaneously reinforcing concepts and terminology of volcanoes.

 

Materials: 

·      A decent sized playing area (unobstructed living room is good, a spacious backyard is even better)

·      A trampoline, bungee chair, or ricochet net (the ones used for Spikeball work very well)

·      As many dodgeballs or tennis balls (whatever bounces the highest)

·      A container for the dodgeballs or bouncy balls (a laundry basket or bucket works well)

·      A red shirt and a blue shirt

·      A minimum of two players

o   Can be two students

o   Can be a student and adult

                  

 

Prior Knowledge: The students should have had lessons on volcanoes

 

Presentation 

1.     If you have two students, one should wear the red shirt and the other should wear the blue shirt. If there is only one student, then an adult will need to play as well.

2.     Place the bouncy surface apparatus (trampoline) in the center of the playing area. The apparatus should be bouncy enough for the students to throw the balls so they fly back extra far and high from the ricochet.

3.     Spread the balls all around the playing area, and there should be a container visible to all the players. The game begins with the red player (which represents the heat / eruption team) picking up a ball and bouncing it off the apparatuses as hard as they can so it ricochets and flies high in the air.

4.     While the ball is in the air, the blue player (which represents the cooling team) tries to catch the ball while it’s in the air. If they catch the ball, they cooled it down and they should put the ball in the container. If they do not catch the ball in the air, then they must leave it to the red team. The blue team cannot touch the tennis ball unless it is in the air. For younger or less skilled students, allowing them to catch the ball after one bounce is a good adaptation. For students who are good catchers, having them catch with only one hand is another adaptation that can be made to the game.

5.     When a red player throws a ball at the bouncy apparatus or ricochet net, the ball should fly in the air. The red player is not allowed to catch the ball or interfere while the ball is in the air, only the blue team can. After the ball bounces or begins to roll on the ground, the red team can pick it up and throw it at the bouncy apparatus again.

6.     The goal of the blue team is to stop the eruption by cooling off the sports balls (lava); the goal of the red team is to make the eruption last as long as possible with good hard throws that bounce as high as possible. Once the eruption is over, the students should switch colors (and roles) and play the game again.

7.     After the lesson, ask the students to describe how the game was like a volcanic eruption. Try to include terms like ash cloud, lava flow, crater, etc. Also mention to the students that the red jersey players were like heat, which built up pressure that caused the eruption. The blue players had a cooling effect, which solidified the lava and reduced the pressure within the volcano.

 

Aims:

Direct:    For the children to reinforce terminology of volcanoes

Indirect:   Listening to directions

                Teamwork and team building

                Communication

                Strategy

 

 

Physical skills practiced: 

·      Throwing the ball at a target

·      Catching a ball in the air (or off of a bounce)

 

Control Of Error: 

Whether the ball is caught or not

 

Points of Interest: The students will often work very hard to give good throws to make the ball bounce as high as possible.  This will also help the catching students because it gives them more time to track the ball for a successful catch. The kid’s imagination will be running wild as they imagine lava flying everywhere!

 

Age: All ages (but designed for lower elementary)