March 28, 2011 5:55 AM
Matryoshkas - Russian nesting dolls
Rerunning this because these make meaningful Christmas gifts:
Someone ordered a set of Matryoshkas from Amazon and it took me way back. We used to have a set of these, but as much as I wanted to, I couldn't let the kids play with them because they were an import and painted with something that smelled absolutely toxic. These are made of ABS plastic, and so safe for kids. They serve the same purpose developmentally as nesting blocks - discrimination of size (remember, something that looks easy for you is not easy for children who haven't developed the concept). They also require a twisting motion of the hands to open and close, so are good for eye-hand coordination. Also, speaking Montessorially (I just made that word up, but you know what I mean), this would be a good candidate for developing concentration.
When introducing them to my child, I would sit to the left and role model careful movement and concentration while taking the first two apart, then inviting my child to continue - until all the halves are sitting on the table (I have detailed how you can use the Montessori approach in your home in Mommy, Teach Me!)
Then I would search carefully for the smallest two and twist them together, then the next two, then invite my child to continue.
Because Matryoshkas originated in Russia, this would be a nice tie-in for a unit study on Russia. Show your child where we are on the globe and where Russia is. I will be writing more on geography studies and multiculturalism for you children - a la Montessori - later this week. Keep in mind that for children under 8, sensory input - things you can see, hear, taste, smell and touch - create vivid impressions that will make abstract learning come alive in later years.
Here is a roundup of Matryoshka Madness designs appropriate for children - including sets that appeal to boys and even a nativity:
These are made of wood and painted, so cannot vouch for their safety:
Made in Russia:
A beautiful 8-doll set, heirloom quality for display or supervised use:
Make your own:
Beautiful measuring cups - also appropriate for a child's set - plus adorable drinking cups:
Matryoshka books:
Stickers and notecards:
And, should you or your child decide that matryoshkas are your "thing" - because I think every girl/woman needs something to collect (I collect stuff with two birds), these should take care of gifts for a long, long time:
Finally, just for fun, feast your eyes on this 30-piece handmade set from Russia - the epitome of Matryoshka art:
You can see all the detailed scenes in the skirts of each doll at Russian Nesting doll 30 pcs / 20 in The best doll what you can find "Skazki"
. For $700 on Amazon - but it looks like it should be in a museum.
I really enjoy doing round ups like this. It's a way to get my brain engaged while I drink my coffee and before I get "serious" about my work. Most of the time they're triggered by something - like the reader who bought this child-safe Matryoshka set, which I had no idea anyone was making.
That led me to want to share the tradition behind Matryoshkas, which hopefuly will never become a thing of the past.
And it reminded me that Vida had asked me some time ago to address the issue of how to introduce young children to multiculturalism. I have a lot to say about that and will be posting on that this week.
Posted in Art, Fun Stuff, Homeschooling, Montessori, Preschoolers | Permalink
