P1 Blog for April 15
One of our goals in Montessori education is to help children understand the natural world around them. We do this in a variety of ways including plant and animal studies throughout the year, gardening in the courtyard and Outdoor Classroom, literature and experiments in class, and simply spending time outside. These activities build connections to nature.
Why is this important?
Gardening allows children to gain understanding of where our food comes from and what plants need in order to live and grow. Learning about trees and plants also helps children understand that these plants give us fresh air to breathe and provide homes and food for animals. Spending time outside, exploring, playing and learning gives children a connection to the world they live in and as well as a respect for nature.
Playing in nature builds confidence. Indoor play tends to be very structured, but there are infinite creative ways to interact with outdoor environments. Letting children choose how they play outside not only gives them power over their own actions, but allows them to design their own activities which promotes creativity and imagination. Nature provides stimulation for the senses with so many things to see, hear, smell and touch. Nature also provides the opportunity for movement. Walking, riding a bike, hiking or running across a field of grass are all great ways to get exercise. This can not only help to increase focus in children, it decreases stress.
What are some ways you can build a love of nature with your child?
Hiking
Gardening
Camping
Spend time at parks
Enjoying time in your backyard
Here is a link to an article about the importance of connecting children with nature.
Here are some pictures of the P1 students enjoying nature in the garden, the Outdoor classroom, at recess and at P.E. with Coach Bob.
This month we are also doing a service project by donating supplies to The Lullaby Connection, an organization that provides essential items to underprivileged babies here in our community. If you would like to donate items, The Lullaby Connection has requested new baby clothes (onesies are great), diapers sizes 1-3 and baby hygiene items such as baby wash, baby shampoo, hand sanitizer and baby wipes. We will be collecting donations until the end of the day on Friday April 23, then delivering the supplies to The Lullaby Connection.
Thank you for your support!
Ms. Melissa, Ms. Diana and Ms. Kini