Copy the calendar tracer version and the copy version. Put them on a wooden tray. The copy version is placed on the tray with a sheet of colored paper over it. The tracer version is placed on top. It is what the students see when they choose the work.

The student chooses a writing mat from the writing shelf. The student takes it to a table. The student returns to the writing shelf and selects the tracer version of the calendar. The student returns to the table. The student places the tracer version of the calendar on their writing mat. Student returns to the shelf and picks out their age in markers. Thick crayola markers work best. Put the markers down by the mat.

The student traces the numbers on the calendar. The student colors in the drawings on the calendar.

Most students like to tape a finished calendar in their journal. They also like to take a finished calendar home. One of my students made a calendar for each grandparent every new month. These things have great meaning for young children.

Students choose writing work from the shelf. They take their age in makers to a table. They return to the shelf to get their writing mat. They take it to the table. They return to the shelf and choose their age in writing sheets. They take these to their mat. One writing sheet is placed on the top of the mat. The others are under the mat.

Get ready for the new year with our new 2026 Calendar!

There are versions for students to trace over and or copy!

It is a favorite for students ages 3 – 6.

Elementary students get very creative, making their own versions!

Use Ikea baskets like the ones pictured to hold writing sheets. These compact baskets have handles and are easy for children to take off the shelf. These stable baskets hold the writing work better than any other basket. (Other baskets tend to tip and spill contents.)

Dividers organize the writing work. Writing work includes Pattern, Greeting Card, Number, Letter, Me Basic, and Picture Word Writing. There are dividers for all the writing works.

They can be found at the end of each book. They are also in the PDF materials at the end.  Copy them onto colored cardstock paper. All the WORDS for the tracer sheets appear centered at the top of the divider. If dividers get damaged, recopy them. Choose colors for the dividers. The pattern dividers are yellow. Name is blue. The Greeting Card dividers are green. The number is red. The letter is blue. The Picture Word is yellow. Me Basics is orange. You can choose different colors if you prefer. Label the baskets with the same color as the dividers. Use double-sided tape to place the name on the basket.

The dividers provide students with a way to find their work. Students learn the name of each writing sheet and often refer to them by their name.

Plastic Writing Mats help students organize their writing work. Put them on a tray on the writing shelf. Children take one to do their writing work on. It defines their space on the table just like a work rug does for floor work. Laughing Star sells plastic writing mats that are 8.5 x 11 inches. They can be washed by students and last for many years.

“Writing is one of the easiest and most pleasant achievements for children.” Dr. Maria Montessori, The Discover of the Child

Writing In The Montessori Classroom

Set up the writing area of the classroom with the basic set of materials. Set out 3 thick and 3 thin Crayola markers in each marker container for red, blue, yellow, purple, orange, green, brown, black, gray, and pink. Use the premium metal inset holders from Alison’s Montessori or mason jars. Last year, one of the older students commented that it is just like the metal inset pencil holders, but with markers! The three-year-olds usually choose to use the yellowT markers first. They often take 3 yellows at first! As they become familiar with the work, they choose other colors!

Set out pattern writing, greeting card writing, number writing, calendar writing, and picture word writing. Most of my students choose the patterns or greeting card work first. They like to take the We Are Friends Card and 3 markers of any color. They color the bears and trace over the words. Some deliver them to their friends’ cubbies with great delight. 

The calendar is a favorite work of older returning students. Most trace the numerals. Older students choose the blank calendar and write their own numerals. 

Our new calendar writing book is now on our website. Each month it changes. Check out our Calendar Writing Book and PDF!