The Outdoor Environment

“We have such a brief opportunity to pass on to our children our love for this Earth, and to tell our stories. These are the moments when the world is made whole. In my children's memories, the adventures we've had together in nature will always exist.”
― Richard Louv, Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder ​

Many, many years ago, when Dr. Maria Montessori was in the process of developing the Montessori method of guiding the development of children, she realized the importance of the outdoor environment. At our school, we are surrounded by thirteen wooded acres, and a wonderful natural area for the children to enjoy.  Our outdoor area is also a Certified Schoolyard Habitat through the National Wildlife Federation.

Our "backyard" offers a wonderful teaching playground for the development of the whole child.

“In the world of nature, there is scope for the perceiving and thinking mind in coming up against the unexpected and exercising the senses and muscles. These help develop coordination and integration and enhance the powers of intelligence.” (Dr. Maria Montessori, The Child in Nature)

Core strength, balance, and self-awareness are developed as the child is allowed time to explore, at her own pace, in the natural world. ​

In the same way that we guide the child in the casa, we follow the child independently through the natural world.

"The land is where our roots are - the children must be taught to feel and live in harmony with the earth" - Maria Montessori

Thank you to Meg Porter Photography for the beautiful photographs in this post. You can see more of her work on her website: megporterphotography.com or visit her on Facebook.