Montessori Materials for Parts of the Sponge Lesson

Once the child has learned about the different types of invertebrates, particularly the Sponges, they might be interested in learning about the parts of the sponge.

Sponges are called “sessile” animals, which means that they do not move around. They feed by filtering tiny organisms and organic particles of food out of large volumes of water that they pump through their bodies.

Before learning about their parts, have the child observe an actual sea sponge or photos to help them have a more concrete grasp on the subject.

Table of Contents

Materials to Support Learning the Parts of the Sponge
- Ocean Anatomy Book
- Sea Sponges
Printable Activities to Learn the Parts of the Sponge
Explore Other Parts of Invertebrates
Explore Other Parts of Vertebrates

Materials to Support Learning the Parts of the Sponge

Ocean Anatomy Book

This includes lots of interesting information about invertebrates. Watch the flip through here.

Sea Sponges

These sea sponges are reusable, “sustainably and responsibly harvested from renewable resources.”

You can also provide printable materials to support this learning and help the child know the different parts of the sponge.

Printable Activities to Learn the Parts of the Sponge

1. Montessori Zoology 5-Part Nomenclature Cards

The Parts of a Sponge Activity helps kids read better and learn the right names for animal parts, which helps them learn more words.

This learning material have a dull green border around each card and include a set of cards with 5 parts including the definitions and a booklet with descriptions about each part of the sponge. This is designed for children between the ages of 3 and 6.

Material

Each part of the sponge has a set of 5 cards made up of:
1. Control card – contains the picture and label; it allows the child to SELF-CORRECT when matching the picture card and the label card.
2. Picture card – allows the child to focus on the image alone to examine the details better. It can also be matched to the control card for non-reading learners to help them engage in learning each of the cards individually.
3. Label card – aids in name identifying, reading, spelling, and writing. It is matched to the picture card and the child determines correctness using the control card.
4. Definition card – serves as the control card for matching the blank definition card with the label card.
5. Blank definition card – provides an engaging activity for the child to better remember the definitions. This is matched to the label card and the control card with image and label.

Prerequisite

– Some experience with an actual sponge (or a model/photo), if possible (See above)
– Child should make observations of each part of the sponge

Control of Error

– Control Cards

Direct Aims

– learn about the different parts of the sponge
– develop their understanding of the definition of these parts

Indirect Aims

– Improve child’s vocabulary
– Develop reading skills
– Learn the basics of zoology

Presentation

The Montessori guide teaches children how to use Zoology Nomenclature Cards through two presentations

– First, the guide lays out the control cards and demonstrates how to match the picture and label to the control.
– Next, the student matches the pictures and labels, and checks their work with the control of error cards.
– Use the definition card to describe each part.
– Once the children are familiar with the definitions of the parts of the sponge, give them the corresponding definitions to match with the pictures.
– Then allow the child to match the blank definition card with the label card.

Zoology Nomenclature Cards are unique to Montessori classrooms and provide an engaging alternative to textbooks and worksheets. They are a beautiful resource that encourages children to learn concepts, rather than rush through to “finish” a worksheet.

Get the Cards & BOOKleTs here

2. Control Chart and Fill-in Posters

After learning the individual parts of the sponge, display the wall chart and invite the child to make her own wall chart of the parts of the sponge with these printable poster sheets of 3 different charts:

With color and label
Without color, with label
Without color, without label

montessori zoology invertebrates parts of the sponge anatomy 5 part cards and booklet

*Sign-up to our newsletter and get the control charts for free! Or get these in a bundle with other vertebrates control charts HERE at $2/set!