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
Smelling bottles are standard material in the Sensorial area of a Montessori classroom. The smelling bottles are a part of the early childhood Montessori Sensorial lesson sequence, focusing on the olfactory sense.
Children and adults alike can have fun with the smelling jars, and they’re easily adaptable for different spices and leaves. The purpose is for the child to develop their sense of smell. The process is simple – the child sniffs their way through the bottles trying to match two identical scents.
Making the smelling bottles is pretty straightforward and can be done with items we already have around our school compound – betel leaves, pandan leaves, curry leaves, and kaffir leaves.
“Education is not something a teacher does, but it is a natural process which develops spontaneously in the human being. It is not acquired by listening to words but in virtue of experiences in which the child acts on his environment.” – The Absorbent Mind.
On a shining day, the playground was filled with waves of laughter and joy. Children were wandering in the playground.
At a corner where children were not wandering. They were looking at the snail quietly. They started to observe the movements and appearance of the snail. While observing, one child gave the snail way as she saw the snail was getting near her foot.
“Why does this snail look different from other snails?”
“Why is it small and light?”
“The shell look-alike triangle.”
They started to discuss the snail…until it was time to return to their classroom.
It’s such an honour to observe what children are observing.
