Deserts might seem like barren lands at first glance, but they are actually teeming with life that has adapted to harsh weather conditions. Learning about different types of deserts is a great way for elementary learners to develop a border appreciation for diverse ecosystems and the unique ways plants and animals thrive in challenging conditions. With our new innovative materials on Types of Deserts, you will find that this topic folds beautifully into the Montessori science curriculum!
![Types of Deserts](https://i0.wp.com/alisonsmontessori.blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240609_131439.jpg?resize=1020%2C1020&ssl=1)
![Types of Deserts](https://i0.wp.com/alisonsmontessori.blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240609_131541.jpg?resize=1020%2C1020&ssl=1)
![Types of Deserts](https://i0.wp.com/alisonsmontessori.blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240609_132521.jpg?w=1020&ssl=1)
Materials
- Types of Deserts Complete Set
- Types of Deserts Puzzle with Nomenclature Cards (3-6) (Printed)
- Types of Deserts Puzzle with Nomenclature Cards (6-9) (Printed)
- Types of Deserts Nomenclature Cards (3-6) (Printed)
- Types of Deserts Nomenclature Cards (6-9) (Printed)
- Types of Deserts Research Cards
- Types of Deserts Task Cards
Related products: Biome Charts – Subtropical Desert Biome, Desert Animals, Desert Animals Nomenclature Cards, Subtropical Desert Biome Nomenclature Cards (3-6) (Printed), Subtropical Desert Biome Nomenclature Cards (6-9) (Printed)
Ages 3-6: Introduction
For primary learners ages 3-6, our self-corrective intuitive puzzle can be a perfect introduction to deserts. It is a manipulative and visual tool that depicts different types of deserts: hot and dry deserts, cold deserts, coastal deserts, and semi-arid deserts. Each piece of the puzzle represents a different type of desert, showcasing distinct features and typical flora and fauna: Polar desert, rain shadow desert, coastal desert, subtropical desert, and interior desert. When presenting the puzzle, bring the puzzle and its control chart to the working space. Remove all the pieces from the frame of the puzzle. Point at the control chart, name the first desert at the top left corner, and select the corresponding wooden piece that you place back on the frame. You may ask your learners to describe the characteristics of each desert to help them make connections between the visual information and the real-world deserts.
![Montessori Curriculum Materials](https://i0.wp.com/alisonsmontessori.blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240609_131519.jpg?resize=1020%2C1020&ssl=1)
Following the puzzle, introduce your learners to our 3-part Nomenclature Cards. There are 5 sets containing three parts: a control card with a picture and a label, a picture card, and a label card. Invite your learners to test their knowledge using this new challenge. The kinesthetic and visual nature of the nomenclature cards provide an additional opportunity for learners to reactive and consolidate knowledge in a new context. Align the control cards from top to bottom on a mat, and invite your learners to match the images and labels to their corresponding control cards. A control chart is provided with the nomenclature card sets, which can be hung on a wall for the time this topic is being studied. A booklet is also provided and can be explored by learners at any time.
![Montessori Curriculum Materials](https://i0.wp.com/alisonsmontessori.blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240609_133752.jpg?w=1020&ssl=1)
Ages 6-9: Refining Knowledge
Types of Deserts Research Cards are the springboard for introducing the topic at the elementary level. They contain interesting facts, images, and raise questions that stimulate curiosity. We like to remind our readers that our graphics are hand-drawn by our talented artists who understand the power of realistic pictures. In effect, elementary learners have vivid memories, therefore, we provide realistic images that are not fixed images and that can be re-applied in any other real-life experience in the future. When working as a group, spend time reading the research cards together, and ask questions to initiate discussions. This reinforces the information and encourages critical thinking.
![Montessori Curriculum Materials](https://i0.wp.com/alisonsmontessori.blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240609_131439.jpg?resize=1020%2C1020&ssl=1)
Nomenclature cards are a staple in Montessori education, aiding in vocabulary development and classification skills. For elementary learners, we developed 6-part Nomenclature Cards which consist of two control cards, a picture card, a cloze-test card, and two label cards. Remind your learners that the cloze-test cards are the final step. After your learners have had sufficient practice, they may read a cloze-test card which is missing the word that corresponds to the description. For example, the “Subtropical Desert” close-test card says, “____ are hot and dry all year long. These deserts receive a lot of sunshine and are located close to the equator. One example of a _____ is the Sahara Desert.” Children are expected to place the correct label below the cloze-test card.
![](https://i0.wp.com/alisonsmontessori.blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240609_132602.jpg?w=1020&ssl=1)
Our Task Cards on Types of Deserts provide structured activities and challenges that guide elementary learners in exploring desert topics more deeply. Our set of Task Cards contains 49 cards and is divided into 5 sections: Introduction, Advanced, Differences, True/False, and Research Work. You may demonstrate how to use the Task Cards after children had sufficient work with the research cards, and/or nomenclature cards. Use the first part of the Task Cards, Introduction, with the students, and invite them to continue with part 2 in a small group or individually. They may record their answers in a journal.
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In conclusion, exploring the different types of deserts with our Montessori materials offers a unique learning experience for your learners ages 6 to 9, but also for your younger primary age learners. By progressively incorporating these innovative resources into your curriculum, you will help foster a deep appreciation for diverse ecosystems and their adaptations of desert flora and fauna. The comprehensive set of task cards will further enhances the learning process, and also ensure that children not only grasp the fundamental concepts, but also develop critical thinking and research skills. For more innovative materials aligned with the Montessori science curriculum, be sure to visit our website regularly!