CHILDREN'S APRONS
Made of GUATEMALAN FABRICS
Aprons set the stage for, and add respect toward important work. They mark
the beginning and the end of the cycle of work. These beautiful aprons can
be used for cleaning, dusting, caring for plants, cooking, setting table,
polishing furniture, any work in the home.
They are made of beautiful cotton fabrics from Guatemala. The neck band easily
slips over the head, and there is a single waist strap with a velcro fastener
at the end so the child can fasten his own aprons—and not be dependent
on an adult. The patterns and colors are always a surprise. 18" and 21" long
(not counting the strap), preshrunk, machine washable, 100% cotton. The small
apron fits an average 3-6 year-old, and the medium apron an average 6-8 year
old.
DR01 SMALL APRON $13.50
DR030 MEDIUM APRON $14.00
WORK GLOVES
Just like the aprons, gloves add an element of importance to the child's
work. Whether or not the gloves are really necessary for the work, it is
like dressing the part, and marks the beginning and ending of the cycle of
work. These are exact duplicates of adult work gloves in the hard to find
child's size for ages two to seven. They are made of cotton duck with soft
suede palms and knit cuffs. Good for carrying in fire wood, woodwork, helping
in the garden, even carrying in the groceries, whenever a child wants to
feel like he is doing real work.
DR26 SMALL (AGE 2-5) $5.50
DR27 MEDIUM (AGE 5-7) $5.50
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BROOMS AND MOPS
These sturdy children's brooms and mops are made by a manufacturer of adult
brooms and mops. The handles are between 30" and 31". The head of the dust
mop can be removed and washed. The cotton mop is an old fashioned replica
of the one we all used before sponge mops were invented and many people still
prefer it.
DR860 3-6 BROOM $5.25
DR862 3-6 DUST MOP $5.75
DR864 3-6 SPONGE MOP $8.00
DR877 HOME SET $18.50
(BROOM, DUST MOP, SPONGE MOP)
ENAMEL HANDWASHING SET
It is a very good idea to get children into the habit of washing hands before
eating, after going to the bathroom, after any cooking or cleaning project,
or before using special materials such as a piano. Having a special handwashing
set readily available makes this much more fun.
This large, sturdy spotted enamel handwashing ensemble was used in the early
days. For the classroom it adds a touch of history to a common exercise,
and is a pleasant alternative to plastic. In the home it can be used for
washing hands, or many other water activities.
The wash basin is 12.5" across at the top and 4" deep. The old-fashioned
pitcher is 8.5" tall and 10.5" across. The color is a rich blue marbling
on a white background.
DR850 BASIN $12.00
DR853 PITCHER $34.00
DR856 SET/2 $45.00
WOODEN DUST PAN & WHISK BROOM
Finally we have found an old fashioned wooden set from Germany! The broom
and dustpan are usually used unfinished, or sometimes stained soft colors,
and they gradually become darkened. You may want to finish them to use in
the classroom, but we prefer the aged look. There is a hole in the handles
of each so that they can be hung on a cord. The whisk broom is 8" and the
dust pan 9.5".
DR32 $19.00
TINY DUST PAN & WHISK BROOM
This is an excellent quality, stainless steel and wood set which can be hung
on the wall anywhere in the house or school for quick use. It can be used
for cleaning a table, cleaning up spilled beans and rice, or with a large
broom to get those tiny last bits. The broom is perfect for small hands and
is easily attached to the pan by a magnet. Length 5.5", width, at the base
4.5".
DR35 $10.00
WOOL DUSTER
This real, 8" long duster, is made child-sized especially for us by a
manufacturer of adult dusters. The lanolin from the natural sheepskin easily
picks up dust which can be shaken out. The wooden handle has a thong tied
to it so that a child might hang it up with the other household cleaning
tools. You can wash the duster in cold water if necessary.
DR33 $3.25
CHILD'S CARPET SWEEPER
The very smallest adult carpet sweeper made. The all steel base measures
9" x 7.5" and is an attractive red with gray rubber bumper trim. The handle
comes in four sections. Using all four would make it adult sized, but using
two or three make it perfect for children between the ages of two and twelve.
It is lightweight and easy to empty and can be used on either a carpeted
or uncarpeted surface. A little comb to clean the roller comes with it and
snaps onto the handle.
DR34 $27.50
METAL BUCKETS
These sturdy metal children's buckets are made by Brio in Sweden. The handles
are steel, with a carved wooden hand grip. The buckets themselves are coated
with a brightly colored enamel paint that ensures that the buckets are
waterproof.
They can be used for cleaning, for carrying water to and from water exercises
in the 3-6 classroom, for sand and water play at the beach, for gardening,
or any other activity that requires a real, childsize bucket. The height
is 5.5 inches, the diameter at the top is 6.5". The buckets come in three
colors.
DR37 RED BUCKET $10.00
DR38 BLUE BUCKET $10.00
DR39 GREEN BUCKET $10.00
BRUSHES
For cleaning vegetables, the car, the sink, the floor, etc., children love
to use wooden brushes that exactly fit their hands. The oval brush is made
of wood, with white nylon bristles. It is 3 inches long. The round wooden
brush, with natural bristles, is from Germany. It has a large, round handle,
is 3" tall, and 3" in diameter.
DR716 OVAL BRUSH $2.25
DR20 ROUND BRUSH $3.25
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OLIVE WOOD FROM SPAIN
This olive wood has the most beautiful grain we have seen. The cutting/serving
board, and snack plate add a touch of elegance to any table. In Sweden children
use these boards for snack or picnic plates instead of paper plates.
The board is 8.25" x 4.25", and the little olive wood plate is 4.25" in diameter.
The olive wood coaster, which can be used for small vases of flowers, glasses
and cups and many other uses at home and in the classroom, is 3.25" in diameter.
DR471 OLIVE WOOD BOARD $8.75
DR475 OLIVE WOOD PLATE $5.50
DR465 OLIVE WOOD COASTER $2.50
FLATWARE
Half the trouble children have in learning to eat properly with silver is
the size of the utensils. And children's flatware is often made of materials
and with decorations which further complicate the problem.
Any child will welcome this elegant 3-piece child's place setting of stainless
steel flatware, made by the sterling silversmiths Oneida (in their famous
Paul Revere pattern). The perfect size - spoon 5.1" long, knife 6.2", and
fork 5.8". They come in a lovely gift box.
The individual flatware pieces are made by the same famous company as our
boxed set. They are lighter weight but very good quality—the best
non-packaged children's utensils we can find. Excellent for the classroom,
and the daily meals at home.
DR60 FLATWARE GIFT SET $20.00
DR616 SPOON $2.50
DR617 FORK $4.00
DR618 KNIFE $4.00
PORCELAIN TEA (OR JUICE) SET
This set is made of high-quality, beautiful white porcelain from Japan. We
tested every small tea pot we could find before choosing this one. It has
a wide base, a good handle, and the lid fits securely as a child is "pouring
out." It holds enough tea for the four cups.
The set of four little plates and cups can be used as teacups and saucers,
or as little mugs and snack plates. (They are espresso cups.)
White porcelain sizes: small cream pitcher for serving milk at "tea time"
(2.5"), serving plate for biscuits, or to be used as a lunch plate (6.5"),
tall juice pitcher in case the choice is juice instead of tea (3.5").
DR53 JUICE/TEA POT $17.50
DR54 SET OF 4 CUPS & SAUCERS $23.00
DR55 SET: POT-CUPS-SAUCERS $37.00
DR56 CREAM PITCHER $5.75
DR57 BISCUIT (OR LUNCH) PLATE $4.50
DR58 SET OF 4 BISCUIT PLATES $16.00
DR59 JUICE PITCHER $10.00
COMPLETE SET, FOR HOME OR SNACK TABLE: TEA POT, 4 CUPS AND SAUCERS, CREAM
PITCHER, FIVE PLATES (ONE FOR SERVING, FOUR FOR LUNCH), AND A JUICE PITCHER.
DR62 $69.00
THE TEA WOOLY - A PURE WOOL TEA COZY
Children love using this large tent-like tea cozy as much as they like the
name. It keeps the tea all warm and cozy. We became addicted to them in England
and have always made our own—until we found this one! It is made of
100% wool, which keeps tea warm for over an hour. It will fit the largest
tea pot, and still work with the tiny one. It is made of a combination of
red, blue and yellow wool and it 10" high and 13" wide.
DR040 $24.00
JAPANESE DISHES
These lovely blue Japanese serving bowls and plates are probably our favorite
pottery at home. The shape and texture on the fish plate are so realistic
that one can even feel the raised fins and scales. The glaze is a rich blue
fading into browns, just like a tropical fish. We use ours at least once
a day at home and keep one on the stove for a spoon rest. It will add a special
touch to the snack table at school. The fish plate is almost 6 inches long,
4.5 inches wide
The beautiful flower bowl is used for elegant tiny snacks, such as raisins,
grapes, cheese cubes, and also for many practical life exercises in the
classroom. It is 3" in diameter, and glazed in a rich dark blue.
DR026 FISH PLATE $5.50
DR031 FLOWER BOWL $3.00
LACQUERWARE JAPANESE SOUP BOWL
Probably the most common bowls in Japan are these traditional red (on the
inside) and black (on the outside) bowls. They are light enough to conduct
the heat immediately to the outside, and sturdy enough for constant use.
They make an excellent alternative to plastic in the home and classroom.
The bowl is 2" tall, 4.5" wide.
DR313 $2.95
STAINLESS STEEL PITCHERS
A pitcher on the table, for milk, water, or juice, adds elegance and gives
a child important practice in pouring. These tiny pitchers are also handy
for sauces, gravies, syrup, even pouring rice and beans for practice. They
are made of stainless steel in India. The smaller one is 2" tall and holds
two fluid ounces. The large pitcher is almost 3" tall and holds four fluid
ounces.
DR51 2 OZ. PITCHER $4.50
DR50 4 OZ. PITCHER $5.50
TINY WOODEN BOWLS
These can be added to any table, formal or informal, for serving snacks.
They are also used, several on a small wooden tray, as a sorting
exercise—sorting beans, shells, buttons. There are many uses in the
home and classroom, holding wood, glass, or metal polish, and so on. Made
of maple hardwood. The small wooden bowl is 2.5" in diameter, and the mini
wooden bowl is 1.5".
DR806 SMALL BOWL, SET/2 $3.00
DR796 MINI BOWL, SET/4 $4.00
KENYAN ANIMAL SPOONS
Since the beginning of time people have carved and decorated the items they
use in their daily life - bowls, spoons, clothing, furniture, combs, mirrors,
everything. Our museums are filled with these precious artifacts. These spoons
show children that this is still being done today all over the world. They
are carved in wood in Kenya, East Africa. Each shipment is different but
each spoon has some kind of an African animal carved into the end. Approximately
7" long.
DR045 KENYAN SPOON $3.50
DR046 SET/3 DIFFERENT SPOONS $9.00
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MANNERS & FEELINGS BOOKS
These two books go together to show children just that the way we treat each
other determines how we all feel. "Manners are the way people behave. Manners
are the way you treat others. Good manners make you nice. They make others
want to be with you."
Both books are full of scenarios in which children are acting out situations
and talking to each other, much as manners are taught in the classroom. Children
can relate to this way of presenting ideas. The pictures are funny and sad
and very interesting. It is rare to have a child want to put either book
down without finishing. And he will want to have them read to him, or to
read them himself over and over again. Both books are by Aliki, a favorite
children's book author/illustrator. Hardcover, color, approximately 30 pages.
DB10 MANNERS $16.00
DB11 FEELINGS $16.00
WHO'S IN A FAMILY
For many sociological and economic reasons the traditional "nuclear"
family—with both biological parents and full brothers and sisters living
together—is in the minority today. According to the US Census Bureau,
24% of our children live in one-parent families and nearly 17 million live
in "blended families" or extended families.
Whatever the situation, every child is entitled to feel good about his or
her family. In this charming picture book children see a positive reflection
of themselves, their friends, the people they care about. Who is in a family?
The people who love you the most! Softcover, 8.5" x 9.5", color, 32 pages.
DB12 $6.95
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NESTING HAMMER & SCREWDRIVERS
For a three-to-six year old this serves as a satisfying puzzle as well as
a good set of tools because the hammer and screwdrivers can always be found
together. This is a special indoor tool, for the home or the classroom. A
steel and brass hammer containing four regular size to tiny screwdrivers
that screw one inside the next. They are real tools. The length of the hammer
is almost 8 " and the smallest screwdriver is a little over an inch long.
Age three to adult.
DR36 $6.50
TOOL SET
These tools are made in the same manner is real tools for adults, but in
smaller sizes. The set includes a hammer, both a slotted and a phillips
screwdriver, a set of Allen Wrenches, a set of 5 adjustable pliers, a tape
measure, and a small flashlight (2 AA batteries needed), and a pouch for
a child to carry the tools she is using fastened to a belt or cord.
The boxed set includes a pamphlet of drawings, names, and instructions for
the use of these and other tools. The hammer is 7.5" long, the screwdrivers
6" long.
The manufacturer says "for ages eight and up" but with care and adult supervision
we recommend teaching the names and the use of these tools. USE UNDER ADULT
SUPERVISION.
DR680 $15.00
LARGE MOUTH FUNNEL
Here is a tool that has been used in our kitchen for years, at least once
a week, by children and adults. It makes pouring fun and easy. We use it
to pour applesauce into lunch jars, to pour leftover soup into mason jars,
and to put away the bulk granola, beans, rice, etc. that we buy at the grocery
store every week. And of course it can be used for its original
intention—canning! In class children have a tray with two short jars
and practice pouring beans with this funnel. Stainless steel, made in China,
5.75" in diameter, 2.5" tall.
DR310 $10.75
CHICKEN-EGG TIMER
This charming old-fashioned egg timer is an addition to any home or classroom.
Although intended for learning to follow recipes "stir over low heat for
fifteen minutes", it can also be used for timing all kinds of activities,
from running (since we do not compete against each other, but try to improve
our own developing skills) to math.
The 60-minute Chicken-Egg Timer, made in China, is white with a red comb,
yellow beak and black eyes, and it is 3" tall.
DR613 $7.75
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PRETEND SOUP, AND OTHER RECIPES
Mollie Katzen, renowned author of the Moosewood Cookbook, and Berkeley,
California teacher Ann Henderson, bring the world of real cooking to a
child—with great respect for his abilities and independence. Clear
directions are given for the adult to prepare the activity ahead of time.
Then a child as young as three becomes the head chef by following the pictures
and a few words. There are recipes for quesadillas, popovers, fruit "pretend"
soup, pancakes, zucchini moons, lemon-lime soda, and more healthful, vegetarian
dishes. Hardcover, 8" x 10", color, 96 pages.
DR24 $16.95
VEGETABLE PEELER
Just the right size for the smallest hand for peeling carrots, potatoes,
a favorite in communities of young children. This European vegetable peeler
is 4" long. USE UNDER ADULT SUPERVISION.
DR43 $4.25
APPLE SLICER
Neatly core an apple and slice it into twelve even segments for a special
snack preparation exercise. With a little help from the adult, even very
young children can enjoy using this tool. Stainless steel blades, two solid
easy-grip handles, best quality from Germany. It is 6.75" long.
DR21 $18.00
FRUIT AND VEGETABLE ZIGZAG SLICER
This stainless steel vegetable and fruit decorator originated in Japan, a
country world-famous for its beautiful presentation of food.
It easily cuts apples, pears, carrots, and other foods into a zigzag shape.
This slicer has a wooden handle and it is wide enough for the child to use
two hands to push down easily. It is 7" wide, and 5" tall.
DR44 $7.50
SURIBACHI (JAPANESE MORTAR AND PESTLE)
This is an Asian version of the mortar and pestle which has been used for
centuries in Japan. For a good cultural lesson, lightly toast sesame seeds
in a dry skillet, grinding them with sea salt, and use this mixture "gomasio"
instead of salt at family meals, or as a Japanese taste experience at school.
It is delicious and very healthful.
The ceramic bowl is 6" in diameter and 2.5" high. The inside is unglazed
and ridged for a grinding surface. The top and outside is a brown earthenware
glaze. The carved wooden pestle is 7" long and a little over an inch at its
largest diameter.
DR756 $14.00
TINY CLEAVER
This childsize cleaver knife looks just like the ones used by French chefs,
but it is only six inches long! It is made in Japan of stainless steel, with
a wooden handle. The blade is 3.5" long, and safe enough for a child. USE
UNDER ADULT SUPERVISION.
DR45 $3.75
MEASURING CUPS AND SPOONS
We have chosen these particular measuring spoons and cups because of the
superior quality, and the very secure grasp possible with these handles.
In a 3-6 class in Japan I once saw a activity called "Curry-Making" in which
the appropriate measuring cups and spoons, very like these, were laid out
with the ingredients, as a completely prepared activity—and the child-cooked
curry was served for lunch.
The longest of the four measuring cups is 6", and the longest of the set
of four measuring spoons is 3.5". They are made in China of stainless steel.
DR312 MEASURING CUPS, SET/4 $10.00
DR315 MEASURING SPOONS, SET/4 $5.50
OLIVE WOOD NUTCRACKER
The beautifully grained olive wood of this elegant version attracts children
and adults alike. It is a piece of art as well as an important tool for cracking
nuts and giving the wrists practice in control—indirect preparation
for writing. The nutcracker is 5.5" long when extended.
DR250 $9.75
MINI GRATER & JUICER
This amazing set of tools can grate, shred, juice, pour, measure, and separate
eggs. The grating attachment fits snugly on top of the measuring cup so that
all of the carrot or cheese goes into the container and small hands are
protected. If you have not used an egg separator you are in for a treat.
Even children will overcome their hesitation about cracking eggs with this
little tool. All of the parts conveniently store inside the 5" x 3" x 3",
2-cup measure, and children enjoy the challenge of putting this "puzzle"
of pieces together after it is washed and dried.
DR066 $10.00
MINI LIQUID MIXER
Children love to help with the mixing but most hand held mixers are too heavy,
too clumsy, or the cord gets in the way. This mixer is perfect. The low speed
is for beating eggs and the high speed can be used for cream or yogurt and
fruit smoothies. It is 7" long and the two beaters are 5.5" long. The mixer
works on two different speeds, and uses two "C" batteries (not included).
It is also great for camping and traveling. Note: this mixer is to be used
for liquids, not heavy pancake or other batter.
DR086 $7.00
MUFFIN BAKING SET
These tools provide a way for the child to participate with real baking,
and the set is always a welcome birthday present. It includes: an eggbeater,
a muffin pan, muffin papers, a bread pan and a rolling pin.
This is a collection of real, well-made kitchen tools, made for adults, which
happen to be the perfect sizes for children. The eggbeater (which comes in
different styles) fits easily into the hand of a three or four year old and
turns easily. The bread pan can be used to make child-size quickbreads or
yeast breads using a little of the dough from a regular recipe. The tiny
rolling pin is used in Italy to smooth the tops of ravioli and is of the
best quality, and the little muffin pans and papers are favorites of Swedish
children.
DR173 EGGBEATER $7.50
DR174 MUFFIN PAN $3.25
DR175 MUFFIN PAPERS, 100 $2.50
DR176 BREAD PAN $1.25
DR177 ROLLING PIN $3.00
DR18 MUFFIN BAKING SET $17.00
MOULI
The French food processor for children. This has always been a favorite kitchen
tool for children in our home. It provides a wonderful work cycle: selecting
the size grating wheel, assembling the mouli, folding down the legs, grating
the Parmesan or the vegetables (yes, the smallest size wheel makes even hard
Parmesan easy for a child to grate!), taking the mouli apart and scrubbing
it with a brush, then putting it away, and serving the cheese. It is plastic
and metal and comes with three different five-inch grating wheels. Made in
France.
DR23 $24.00
OVEN WOOLY - POT HOLDER
The traditional use of real 100% wool felt for protection from heat is
unsurpassed. It is 100 times more durable than cotton and retains its rich
color after years of use. This pot holder is made in the perfect size for
children, in a combination of red, blue and yellow. It is 9.5" long and 5"
wide. Wool, made in the USA.
DR123 $12.75
GLASS JUICER
For years we have searched the antique shops for these heavy, glass,
old-fashioned fruit juice squeezers. Today they are coming back into fashion
and are even made in a perfect size for children!
There is no substitute for the pleasure of hand squeezing the juice from
a lemon or an orange with this tool. The child holds on to the glass handle,
then pours the juice out via the spout. In a Casa de Los Ninos I visited
in Mexico the children had fresh squeezed lemon water available all day at
the snack table. Height 2.5" in the middle, base diameter 4".
DR46 $10.50
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TINY DRAWSTRING BAG
For buttons, shells, tiny precious stones, the tooth fairy, or for practicing
an ancient way to open and close a bag. This tiny drawstring bag from Thailand
has a delicate cross stitch panel on one side and is fully lined. It is beautiful
and practical. 3.25" long. It comes in varied colors.
DR096 $2.75
NEEDLE CASES
These little wooden needle cases are used for holding needles and pins when
a child is learning how to sew. They can be used in the home by a parent,
and then the child may have his own special needle case in the sewing basket.
They can be painted or left natural. Maple, 2.25" long.
CR44 SET/2 $2.50
BALANCE BEAM
This six foot long beam, made of hard maple, adjusts to two positions, and
can easily be manipulated by children for a number of games and
challenges—blindfold walking, walking carrying a glass of water, etc.
The beam can be in a flat position so that it is 4" wide, or in an upright
position, 2" wide, for more advanced walking.
"Teach by teaching, not by correcting." Instead of constantly reminding a
child to carry things carefully, not to run with scissors, etc., games are
used in the classroom to teach walking instead of constantly running. A balance
beam draws children to its challenge to walk carefully, or to walk carrying
things and not spilling them. It can sometimes take up a month to receive
this after ordering. Please keep this in mind if you are ordering it as a
gift.
CR620 $83.75
THE PHILHARMONIC GETS DRESSED
Children are fascinated with bathing and dressing at this age. It is a favorite
activity, topic of conversation, and subject for books. And here is the most
interesting dressing book there is—a symphony orchestra getting bathed
and dressed, in many different ways, to perform in a concert.
"First they get washed. There are ninety-two men and thirteen women. Many
take showers. A few take baths. When they have finished washing, they dry.
They use big towels and little towels and a lot of dusting powder." The lovable
text is accompanied by funny drawings. This book, which presents famous musicians
doing just what everyone else does, is a favorite of children, and of musicians
of all ages Softcover, color, 7" x 9", 42 pages.
DR116 $5.95
OUR PEACEFUL CLASSROOM
Here is a peek into a Montessori 3-6 classroom, written by a Montessori teachers
and illustrated by children from many parts of the world. The theme is peace
in the classroom—serenity, beauty, respect for others, inner quiet,
care of the environment and appreciation of many cultures. This book is of
value to anyone who holds these values and would be cherished by any child
who attends or has attended a Montessori school. Soft cover, color, 64 drawings
and pages.
DB09 $12.95
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