Montessori Box is a series of 1:1 or small group programs to get to know participants with memory impairment such as Dementia through facilitating conversation.

Required Supplies

Items that would be found in a purse such as:

• lipstick or chapstick

• address book 

• wallet

• grocery list

• glasses

• hair ties

• keys

Group Size

Min: 1
Max: 5

Hazards

No potential risks.

Preparation Steps

Gather all the items and place them in a purse.

Activity Instructions

This program can be facilitated as a 1:1 program or a small group. Begin with asking participants what they would find in their purse if they were going out. 

Take each item out and pass it around to participant(s). Ask them what it is and how they would use each item in their everyday lives.

For example:

For the lipstick or chapstick: Did you wear a specific shade when you were going out? Do you have any fond memories of going out?

For the address book: Whose number did you have in your address book? Can you remember any of those numbers? 

For the wallet: What did you have in your wallet? Did you have any photos? 

For the grocery list: What would you put on your weekly grocery list? What would you buy?

 

Activity Instruction Adaptations

• As participants list various items, you can add items to the purse and generate conversation starters.

• Sanitize each item after program.