Don’t miss the important warning in the post below along with information about the great punchers from Montessori Services!
Disclosure: I received a puncher pack in order to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and any opinions expressed are my own. This post contains Montessori Services affiliate links (at no cost to you).
Punching activities are very popular in both Montessori schools and homeschools. I’ve actually seen children dramatically improve their ability to concentrate simply through a love of pin-punching activities. Punching activities are also fun ways for children to develop the coordination necessary for handwriting. Punching materials are great for use with map materials, geometric shapes, and various art activities.
You’ll see my review of Montessori Services practical life activities in an earlier review and giveaway. Whether you’re a Montessori teacher or homeschooler, you’ll find LOTS of wonderful materials through Montessori Services! Parents using Montessori principles at home will find much to offer through Montessori Services or its partner site, For Small Hands, which specializes in child-size tools and materials for families.
Montessori Services Puncher Pack and Why It’s Important
Montessori schools and homeschools have been using push pins for punching activities for years. I used push pins in my Montessori school and homeschool, too. I certainly don’t blame anyone for using them. Still, I believe it’s time to change. Please read this sad post, and you’ll see why an alternative to push pins, such as Montessori Services’ wood handled puncher, is important.
Of course, adult supervision is still required with sharp objects like punchers of any type. Punching activities tend to be so popular with preschoolers and have so many positive benefits that I’d hate to see the activities eliminated because of the choking hazard of push pins when there are great alternatives offered through Montessori Services.
This giveaway is of an entire $49 puncher pack, which includes
- 5 wood-handled punchers
- one 5-puncher holder
- 3 small (5½ x 5½) felt pads
- 2 large (8½ x 11) felt pads
Note: the felt pads in the photo are white, but the giveaway prize felt pads will be black. Montessori Services changed the felt pads to black so the pads wouldn’t get dirty easily.
I always loved Montessori Services products … and the puncher pack didn’t let me down. All the materials are attractive and high quality. The felt pads are very thick and can’t be penetrated – perfect for punching activities.
The giveaway is for the complete puncher pack. You can purchase the items separately as well: Wood-handled puncher ($5.95), puncher holder (storage for 5 punchers $5.95), small felt pad for punching ($2.75), and large felt pad for punching ($4.75). Montessori Services also sells an inexpensive 12-piece stylus puncher set for $11.95. I think all the materials are great, although you could get by with just a puncher as shown in my photo of a Lorax recycling label punching activity.
Disclosure: I received a puncher pack in order to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and any opinions expressed are my own. This post contains Montessori Services affiliate links (at no cost to you).
Now for the Giveaway: The giveaway has now closed.
What You Will Win: 1 lucky winner in the U.S. or Canada will win the Montessori Services Puncher Pack (ARV $49)!
Who is Eligible:
This giveaway is open to anyone 18 and older in the U.S. and Canada. The first entry is mandatory. You must leave a blog post comment telling why you want to win the puncher pack (and be sure to click the green “ENTER” on the Rafflecopter form to let me know you left your blog post comment and to open up the optional entries)! After you’ve completed your mandatory entry, there are lots of optional entries. You have many chances to win! (Note: For the extra entries, you may count ways of following that you already do. For example, if you previously “liked” Living Montessori Now on Facebook, you may still count that for your “like” Living Montessori Now on Facebook entry!)
It’s easy to enter giveaways with Rafflecopter! Just follow the directions to enter.If you still have questions about the Rafflecopter form, here’s a 52-second video with quick directions for entering through Rafflecopter.
You must complete the Mandatory Entry to qualify for any additional entries. The giveaway closes 10:01pm MST on Thursday, July 12. Best of luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway
UPDATE:
It’s Friday morning, July 13. I enjoyed reading all your comments and really appreciated the 743 entries! A winner has been selected using Random.org through Rafflecopter!
The winner of the Montessori Services Puncher Pack is Claire P!
I’m very happy for Claire, who had multiple entries! (Note: Claire, you have 48 hours to respond to my email, or a new winner will be chosen.)
The comment for Claire’s mandatory entry (why she wanted to win) said:
“my roommate is starting her first teaching job this year! I would give this to her”
CONGRATULATIONS, Claire!!! MANY THANKS to Montessori Services for sponsoring the giveaway – and thank you to everyone who entered!
Learn more about my eBook Montessori at Home or School: How to. Teach Grace and Courtesy!
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Tracy says
I have my eye on these for my LO.
http://www.montessoriservices.com/imaginets
Amy says
I want to win this push-pin set because my children love doing push pin activities and I want them to be safe. I also would love to use it in my preschool!
Sara T says
I like the Pipedream instrument.
Joanie says
Always looking for new ideas to strengthen the pencil grip!! Also I can see punching out continents and other activities. Would love to win this.
Dollye C says
A great gift for my upcoming family reunion.
Peggy says
My 2 year old grandson is temporarily living with us now. As a retired educator, I want him to be able to focus on tasks and be successful.
Gwen says
I’d like to win because I’m looking for activities to do with my 4yr old and 6 yr old niece…I think they would love this set!
sandra says
because i like to use educational tools with the kids
Rachel says
My son would love an activity like this! I am new to Montessori and this would make a great addition to his workspace.
lisa says
would like to improve my son’s space, and I think this would help his concentration
Yunita says
My kids and i love doing activity like this! It’s our quality time. Would love to win this :).
Maggie says
My daughter loves punching work to make continent maps! We don’t have a punching set so this would be wonderful!
SweetPanda says
I would like to win because I want to try out this product
Celine says
My daughter would love to use this material and it will be much safer then allowing her to use a push pin or needle. She definitely needs to work on concentrating and taking her time.
Celine says
Really like the wood knitting tower. Dd loves anything to do with sewing and loves to make pot holders. I have yet to find a wood knitting spool which is what she is interested in now. I remember spending tons of hours during the summer creating with one.
Alexandra Roach says
I like the garden tool set!
Cheryl Weatherhead says
Wow…I was one who used push pins too…won’t be doing that ever again! This product would be a great addition to my 8 student preschool class! Thanks for the opportunity to enter!
Peace,
Cheryl Weatherhead says
Love the screwdriver boards available through Montessori Services!
Jennifer Bowers says
Both my daughters need help with their fine motor skills! They would have so much fun poking things out with this kit!
Pamela S says
I would love to win this for my 4yr old son. I have been considering pin puncher activities for awhile. It seems like a wonderful activity.