Montessori & Nature: An inherent connection
Spending time in nature is such an important aspect of early childhood development. Children have an innate love of nature. As a teacher, I experience that love everyday. When it is time to transition ouside, I see the joy on their faces and the light in their eyes. At school, each child gets a partner to hold hands with as we walk in line, two by two, out to the playground. Without fail, we have to remind them to walk as they start to walk as fast as they can or even run to get to their promised land. Of course, we remind them over and over of the safety of walking on the sidewalk, but I have a deep understanding for their need to run. I too have run to nature out of excitement. Every summer when my family goes to the beach, as soon as I see the shore I can't hold back my excitement. For me, the beach is a place of tranquility, peace, and a treasure trove of seashells just waiting to be collected. I know what spending time in nature does for my soul, so I know how im...
