My First Montessori Book of Patterns

In the Montessori Casa, or classroom for three through six year old students, children approximately three-and-a-half years of age learn to distinguish between and among a variety of textures by feeling swatches in two sets of Fabric Boxes. Following hands-on experiences of touching natural fabrics, students learn to identify fabric swatches by name such as silk, wool, and cotton. As an extension of their previous studies, children may also learn the names of patterns which appear on fabrics such as polka dots, stripes, and checks to expand their knowledge of repeating designs in the classroom and wider world. Written by AMI Primary Diploma holder Mary Da Prato with illustrations by Mary Da Prato and Genevieve DeVaney Da Prato, BFA, MAT, My First Montessori Book of Patterns provides a sampling of twenty-five patterns to promote awareness and discussion of repeating designs created by humans as well as those that exist in nature. Included is a "For Parents" section that provides activity ideas to introduce and strengthen textile and pattern awareness.