“The child who has felt a strong love for his surroundings and for all living creatures, who has discovered joy and enthusiasm in work, gives us reason to hope that humanity can develop in a new direction.”
Dr. Montessori believed that children should appreciate nature and take action to protect it.
Children understand the satisfaction of caring for a plant and seeing it develop, as well as the feeling of achievement that comes with it.
They find meaning in their green pursuits and their classroom reflects this, teeming with green life and providing a peaceful, tranquil ambience.
Children will understand that care for plants not only adds visual value to their classroom but also improves their mental well-being by providing a quiet and attentive atmosphere.
To climb a tree is for a child to discover a new world. In the simple activity of climbing trees, there lies profound educational significance. Take, for instance, a longan tree: its dense branches and sturdy trunk provide a platform for a child to stand upon, fostering a deep sense of achievement.
Planted over a decade ago, this tree has grown into a secure climbing spot for children, symbolizing the enduring allure of tree climbing. Children are naturally drawn to the challenge, utilizing their strength and skills to explore and conquer, overcoming fears. The unparalleled sense of accomplishment they experience while perched atop the tree inspires them to share their success with others.
Tree climbing not only enhances physical strength and coordination but also nurtures confidence, resilience, and a profound connection with nature. It teaches children to assess risks, problem-solve, and appreciate the beauty and miracles of the natural world. As they ascend the heights of the longan tree, children not only grow physically but also mature emotionally, gaining valuable experiences to guide them throughout life.
It is better to travel ten thousand miles than to read ten thousand books.. but for me, why don’t we do both when we can?
Yes, no doubt that reading and learning from paper materials is how we learn in most time of our lives, but outing is important as looking at the paper materials as the real experience helps human beings to build concrete memory about what they have been looking at
Are children able to learn in a mixed-age environment?
In Montessori, children of different ages learn together in the same classroom. This promotes collaboration, social skills, empathy, and the sharing of knowledge. Older children become mentors to younger ones, fostering a sense of community and mutual respect.
The “prepared environment” is Maria Montessori’s concept that the environment can be designed to facilitate maximum independent learning and exploration by the child. In the prepared environment, there is a variety of activities as well as a great deal of movement. A Montessori teacher serves as the preparer and communicator of the environment to the child and is responsible for maintaining the atmosphere and order of the prepared environment. The materials range from simple to complex and from concrete to abstract, catering toward every child’s age and ability.
Montessori classrooms are designed to offer lessons, activities, and tools that match the developmental needs and interests of each child. It is important to note that not every child will be interested in every available lesson. This is why children are allowed to choose the lessons they gravitate toward naturally.