Summer is the perfect time for kids to spend all day outdoors and make explorations in nature. Joe of Nature Rated definitely knows how to bring adventure into everyday life. Joe created a great infographic as a handy reminder of all the meaningful and fun things active children can do using their hands and imagination in nature. What are your kids doing this Summer? For many of us Summer time with the kids is a time to enjoy the outdoors, the sunshine and if you're lucky the … [Read more...]
3 Easy Steps to Get Your Kids Crafting With Natural Materials.
In this guest post, Penny of Mother Natured shares some brilliant craft ideas for children using materials generously given to us by nature. There are some great advantages to using leaves, bark, flowers and other natural items in your children's art and craft activities. Not only will you save money on craft supplies, but you'll end up with beautiful, unique creations every time. There's another reason, though, that's less about craft and more about the fundamentals of your child's … [Read more...]
How to Make an Easter Garden – Natural Small World for Play
We are very excited to celebrate another major holiday with our family and church. Easter is right around the corner and conversations on the topic occur in our home naturally all the time. This year I suggested to my 5 yo Blossom to create an Easter Resurrection garden. My daughter was chuffed! After reading and discussing the story of resurrection we thought of elements that should be included in Easter garden - tomb, rock, cross and hill. Creating small worlds together with kids gives them … [Read more...]
The Many Benefits of Learning in Nature
“There must be provision for the child to have contact with nature; to understand and appreciate the order, the harmony and the beauty in nature”. Maria Montessori Nature offers infinite ways to support child's cognitive, physical, and emotional development. This is not to say that nature can completely replace time children spend in the classroom. However, I believe that if teachers and parents completely neglect the benefits natural environment presents to us , children may miss out on … [Read more...]
Sensory Explorations Outdoors – Touch With Nature Hunt Printable
Children discover the world using their 5 senses. They connect to it by absorbing sounds, textures, smells, pictures, tastes, emotions. At young age children are incredibly sensitive. Learning occurs naturally when they have opportunity to utilise as many senses as possible. In the Montessori classroom there are several areas of development, one of them is sensorial. Montessori sensorial aims to establish strong connection between brain and senses in the process of learning, provide a … [Read more...]
Learning About Land And Water Formations – Montessori Outdoor Explorations
Nature is a wonderful and inspirational source of learning opportunities no matter where you choose to explore it. Children are free to learn and discover outdoors at their own pace, which normally requires a great deal of movement. As you probably know, learning and movement are closely intertwined. We do lots of outdoor explorations with hands-on activities. As Maria Montessori said: "Nothing should be given to the brain that is not first given to the hand". Living right next to the … [Read more...]
The Silence Game In Nature – Empowering Children with Mindfulness
Many of us probably didn't know how precious moments of silence are until we became parents or teachers. We all can agree that our world lacks silence today more than ever before . Noise we create is not necessarily produced by loud sounds. Noise can be made by clutter, unnecessary overload of visual and sensory information and stimulation. Noise takes away focus from what truly matters and distracts attention. Children react to overstimulation in their own way - through emotional outbursts, … [Read more...]
Montessori Inspired Explorations At The Beach
Taking Montessori classroom outside creates great opportunities for hands-on learning using minimum materials and effort. Sun, fresh salty air, sound of crashing waves - what a perfect setup for fun explorations for kids. We headed to the beach to do fun Montessori activities as a part of preschool homeschool program. Before allowing children to play and simply have awesome time in nature, I prepared and organised Montessori inspired activities taking advantage of the natural outdoor … [Read more...]
Quotes on Nature – Steering Away From Nature – Deficit Disorder
Today children need nature like never before. In nature children get calmer, become carefree, move spontaneously, regain a sense of wonder. However, Nature - deficit disorder is becoming more real and prevalent. It is important to reflect on great benefits and positive effects of the outdoors on child's life. There is a good reason I chose to call my blog "Montessori Nature". Nature is a source of great inspiration for soul, mind and body. The Montessori method is about following the child, … [Read more...]
Colour Hunt In Nature – Montessori Outdoor Explorations
I have never seen a child being bored in nature. Wonder outdoors never stops. Open-ended play always evolves. Imagination gains vivid and intense colours. Nature conveys peace into child's heart and mind leaving no room for worry. To quote Maria Montessori: " There must be provision for the child to have contact with nature; to understand and appreciate the order, the harmony and the beauty in nature". Once I've begun homeschooling my preschooler by firmly establishing daily routine and … [Read more...]
20 Ways To Celebrate Earth Day and Every Day With Kids.
Children have the most sincere and honest attitude when it comes to saving our planet, taking care of animals and fellow human beings. What a great period in their lives to reach out and sow these seeds of mindfulness, empathy, compassion and responsibility for our environment and all living creatures. I would love to share with you a couple ideas that could make this Earth day and every day a bit more special. 1. Turn all the lights and electronic gadgets off and use candles or torches for … [Read more...]
Handcrafted Natural Play for Kids
At any time of the year outdoor is a best natural playground for kids of all ages. Kids learn so much by spending time outside in a fresh air. It is beneficial to prompt child's play with natural materials. Natural open-ended play for kids is endless fun. Possibilities to create, construct, investigate, learn, experiment are infinite. Textures and colours of natural educational materials allow children to feel a touch of nature. There are amazing and talented people, who live and create … [Read more...]
Art with Nature – Creative Nature Hunt for Kids
{This post was featured in Montessori International magazine} The world of nature is full of surprises and inspiration. A palette of colours, different forms and shapes provide children with enormous amount of opportunities for creativity. Creative thinking is one of the most valuable aspects of child's learning that defines success and satisfaction in future. I love nurturing creativity in my child and support her learning with all sorts of art experiences that promote free thinking. Another … [Read more...]