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Craft: Montessori Placemats

Yes, I actually squeezed in a craft this month, hopefully one more, too! I made three front-and-back appliqueed placemats for use as a puzzle (12 mo) or an actual crumb catcher at the table. The great thing about these is they show children the 'proper' way to set the table at the same time. Not only that, but when one side gets dirty, you just flip it over and wah-lah! a fresh start!
Here's one side of Anikka's mat sitting for her ready and waiting underneath her clip on seat. I guess I should frame this with: we've never had a high-chair for either of the kids. They have sat at the table from the beginning. Once they can sit up, they can sit in this little portable seat (around $20 at Target, ours was Stefan's when he was little!) and then graduate to a booster around the age of 2.
Already Lukka's taken to his placemat and loves to set the table, and this visual just helps.
For smaller children, place on the floor with appropriate size bowl, cup, and flatware and let them try to match it up!
What have you been working on lately?
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Comments

Jocelyn said…
These are awesome - you always amaze me at being able to make these great crafts/decorations with 2 small kids.
October 12, 2010 at 8:49 AM
Jodi said…
That is such a great idea! My boys are starting to set the table, but we get dishes all over the place! I'm going to add these to my list of things to do!
October 12, 2010 at 11:23 AM
Meg said…
Girl! You need to get these on etsy -- sooooo cute!!
October 12, 2010 at 8:30 PM
RT said…
This is a such a wonderful idea! I always wanted to do it for Liv, but just haven't so far. Nicely done.
October 14, 2010 at 7:36 PM
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