Let the children free; encourage them; let them run outside when it is raining; let them remove their shoes when they find a puddle of water; and, when the grass of the meadows is damp with dew, let them run on it and trample it with their bare feet; let them rest peacefully when a…
Go Play Outside
Sadly, children today have fewer opportunities to play outside. Studies show that busy family schedules and electronics are among the reasons affecting the amount of unstructured outdoor time for children. Because spending time in nature is necessary for healthy development, our schools ensure every class goes outside each morning and afternoon (except in extreme weather…
Science in the Montessori Classroom
Our children are naturally curious about the world around them. They love studying astronomy, nature, ecology, physics, and chemistry. Our classrooms and playgrounds are full of hands on materials to let the children explore and ponder. The outdoor classroom contains pumpkin washing, leaf rubbing, and even an insect collection with a magnifying glass. Activities like…
Wonders of Nature
This week we had a visit from the local Wonders of Nature show. They children were enticed and genuinely interested in all the critters displayed. The animals showcased were not exotic, nor particularly “wondrous.” They were ordinary animals we can see every day in our Floridian back yards. The wonder of the show was in…
Inclement Weather
Take a moment and think back to your fondest and most pleasurable childhood memories. The majority of our most vivid memories are those we experience in nature. Growing up in Alaska I am well versed in inclement weather, and how to prepare for and experience it. My most prominent childhood memories were nearly all centered…
