Why Is Nature Important In Montessori?
Alison Petersen • April 12, 2024

“The land is where our roots are, the children must be taught to feel and live in harmony with the Earth.”

-Dr. Maria Montessori

Spending time in nature is a fully integrated sensory experience. Watching the sunlight bounce off of trees as they sway in the wind, smelling the plants and flowers around you, hearing the leaves crunch under your feet, feeling the cold dirt in your hands, and sometimes even tasting the fresh vegetables or herbs from a garden. Engaging with nature grounds us and reminds us of our connection to the environment. Nature provides a powerful tool for nurturing young minds. 


Nature and natural materials are central to Montessori education, rooted in the principle of caring for the environment. There is an inherent order, harmony, and beauty in nature that is reflected in the Montessori philosophy. A primary way Montessori integrates nature is through the use of natural materials. This includes wooden materials, natural fabrics, wicker baskets, metal utensils, and glass vessels to name a few. Not only do these natural materials provide children with an integrated sensorial experience, but they also encourage a connection to the environment by putting children in touch with the real world in their everyday activities. 


In addition to prioritizing natural materials in the classroom, Montessori also emphasizes the value of teaching children to care for plants and animals. All of our Montessori classrooms include houseplants in which the children care for. Our community at Pincushion Hill Montessori School features a vegetable and flower garden which is a special outdoor space where the children come together to plant, tend, and reap the benefits of their hard work.


The children are responsible for watering the garden, weeding, planting seeds and and composting. Through the experience of caring for the plants and animals in the garden, children learn the connection between the earth and their food as well as respect for the smallest of creatures. Waiting for a garden to grow instills patience and responsibility in young children who are eager to see their seeds transform into food. You may be surprised to find the variety of tasks children are both excited to and capable of performing when it comes to caring for the natural world.


Whether at home or in the classroom, there are numerous benefits to integrating nature into your child’s day. Here are a few of our favorite ways:

  • Take a nature walk, with the intention of noticing or collecting elements like leaves, rocks, flowers, and other things that catch your child’s attention
  • Give your child a small houseplant to care for, teaching them the responsibility of checking on the leaves and soil to ensure the plant has enough light and water
  • Add a bird feeder to your outdoor space and invite your child to participate in filling the seed and watching for different types of birds to visit
  • Visit a botanical garden or zoo to explore plants and animals that you do not regularly see at home
  • Teach your child how to keep a nature journal where they draw pictures of what they notice in nature


Interested in seeing our outdoor gardens? Call today to schedule a visit.

summer

Summer Activities for Montessori Children

By Alison Petersen • June 12, 2025
As parents of Montessori students, it is important to find the balance between the freedom and bliss of summer without losing the routines and knowledge for which you and your child worked so hard during the school year. The following are a few suggestions from the educators at Pincushion Hill Montessori School. Schedules: We encourage you to ease up on your children’s schedules and routines during the summer months. Bedtimes and waking times can be moved around so you can enjoy the relaxation offered by the summer months. We do encourage you to start easing back into your school year schedule a few weeks before school starts up again in the fall. Journaling: Help your children select a blank book or journal. Encourage them to record something in this book every day during the summer. This helps with literacy skills and creative writing. It also has the potential to serve as a keepsake your children will cherish for years to come. As summer sets in and siblings begin to squabble, redirecting your Montessori children toward journaling their feelings can also aid with conflict resolution. A summer journal can become an annual tradition for your family. Family Visits: It’s great family bonding time exploring local resources and places of interest. Historic homes, farms, zoos, walking trails and many other interesting opportunities that are close to home can be fun and educational adventures. Take small field trips throughout the summer and include your child in the planning. Around the House: Include your children in your daily household activities. If they aren’t doing so already, summer is the perfect time to encourage their assistance with planning meals for the week, grocery shopping, and meal preparation. Gardening: Tending to (or starting) a family garden at your home is a great idea. This will continue the education they receive at TMA, yield delicious rewards, and encourage growth in the craft of sustainability. Cooking: Involve your child in home cooking ingredients and recipes. This will foster learning, and make them more independent in years to come. Reading: Start a family book club by suggesting one or two book titles that they have not read. If some members of your family too young to read, end every evening by taking turns reading a book aloud. The anticipation of knowing what will happen next will keep everyone coming back for more. Family Games: Put together a scavenger hunt for your children. This can be a great option for a rainy day, but on a sunny day you can include biology and botany related clues outdoors. The hunt can be fun and educational in origin, testing your children’s knowledge or research skills. Ask: For specific academic skills that may need work or refreshing over the summer, do not hesitate to ask your child’s Montessori teacher, or your child himself. Identify what could be practiced, and create an easy routine that makes practice time enjoyable and fun. Pincushion Hill Montessori School is a school that enriches and educates children using the Montessori Method focused on academic subjects like math, language, science, sensorial and practical life. The private, year-round school was founded in 1962 and accepts children from 18 months old up to six years old. Students at the school are exposed to Montessori-style teaching approaches, including individual learning according to each child’s style and pace, multi-age classrooms that allow children to advance when they are ready, and a nurturing of students’ natural curiosity. 

Why Is a Parent School Partnership So Important in Montessori?

By Alison Petersen • April 24, 2025
Montessori education is not just about the classroom; it extends to the home environment and relies heavily on collaboration between parents and teachers to create a harmonious and effective learning experience for the child. Here are several reasons why a parent-school partnership is so important in Montessori education: Consistency in Approach One of the fundamental principles of Montessori education is consistency in the approach to child development. When parents and teachers work together, they can ensure that the child receives consistent guidance, expectations, and values both at home and in the classroom. This consistency promotes a sense of security and stability for the child, making it easier for them to adapt to the Montessori method. Understanding and Support Parents who are actively involved in their child's Montessori education gain a deeper understanding of the method and its principles. This understanding enables them to provide better support at home, reinforcing the concepts and values learned in the classroom. When parents and teachers share a common understanding of the child's development, they can work together to address any challenges or specific needs that may arise. Reinforcing Independence Montessori education places a strong emphasis on fostering independence in children. When parents and teachers collaborate, they can reinforce this independence by encouraging the child to take ownership of their learning and daily routines. Parents can create a Montessori-friendly environment at home, while teachers can provide guidance on age-appropriate tasks and activities. Individualized Learning Montessori classrooms prioritize individualized learning experiences tailored to each child's unique needs and interests. When parents are actively involved, they can provide valuable insights into their child's personality, learning style, and preferences. This information helps teachers design personalized learning plans that maximize the child's potential. Extended Learning Opportunities Learning doesn't stop when the child leaves the classroom. Parents can continue the Montessori experience at home by engagning in activities that align with Montessori principles. This extension of learning beyond school hours enhances the child's educational journey and reinforces the importance of learning as a lifelong endeavor. Children thrive when home and school work in harmony!