A Montessori Journey Through Goodnight Moon

Preschool / Pre-Primary / Nursery / Pre-Kindergarten Lesson Plan – Learning Goodnight Moon Book, Maria Montessori philosophy

Title: “A Montessori Journey Through Goodnight Moon”

Age Group: Preschool / Pre-Primary / Nursery / Pre-Kindergarten (3-5 years old)

Learning Framework: Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF) – USA

Educational Approach: Montessori Method

Learning Outcomes (Based on ELOF):

1. Language and Literacy: Enhance listening skills, comprehension, vocabulary, and recognize words and their sounds through story reading and discussion.
2. Cognition: Develop an understanding of day-night cycle and related vocabulary.
3. Social and Emotional Development: Promote a sense of calm, routine and predictability through the exploration of bedtime routines.
4. Perceptual, Motor, and Physical Development: Engage fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination through related craft activity.

Resources Needed:

• The book “Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown
• Craft materials: Paper, crayons, glue, scissors, moon and star stickers or cut-outs

Lesson Plan:

1. Story Introduction (15 minutes):

Read “Goodnight Moon” to the children, emphasizing the rhythm and routine of the story, and encourage interactive reading by asking them to repeat the “goodnight” phrases.

2. Story Discussion (15 minutes):

Discuss the story, focusing on the concept of saying goodnight and the idea of routines before sleep. Use this time to discuss the day-night cycle and the importance of a good night’s sleep.

3. Art Activity – “My Night Sky” (30 minutes):

Provide children with dark-colored paper, moon and star stickers or cut-outs, and crayons. Encourage them to create their own night sky, depicting what they imagine when they say goodnight. This can support creativity, fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination.

4. Memory Game (20 minutes):

Create a memory game using pictures of objects from the story. This can enhance children’s memory, cognitive skills, and reinforce vocabulary from the story.

5. Reflection and Conclusion (10 minutes):

Wrap up the lesson by encouraging children to share what they say “goodnight” to in their own routines. Discuss the importance of rest and sleep for our bodies and minds.

Assessment:

Assess children’s understanding of the story, their participation in discussions, their creative skills during the art activity, and their performance in the memory game.

Alignment with Montessori Method:

This lesson plan aligns with the Montessori Method by promoting self-directed activity, hands-on learning, and collaborative play. It encourages exploration and independence in learning which are key Montessori principles.

Link to ELOF:

The lesson plan engages all key domains of the ELOF – promoting language and literacy, cognition, social and emotional development, and perceptual, motor, and physical development, ensuring a holistic learning experience for the preschool-aged children.