Description

Kathryn Ross, Montessori educator, trainer, and master gardener, joins us to discuss the importance of connecting young children to the natural world. Today, as we observe the deterioration of our natural environment, this connection is more important than ever. Humans learn to love what they are most closely connected to, and that love can form the basis for necessary care - of our rivers and trees, the air we breathe, and the animals we share this planet with. We need our children to love our planet, as they are the ones who will be most impacted by the choices humans make.

But what does this look like in daily practice as a Montessorian?

• What are ways that a Montessori educator might prepare themselves in order to most effectively connect children with the natural world?
• How might a Montessori educator extend the prepared environment outside the classroom walls?
• What are specific ways that nature studies, specifically gardening studies, be incorporated into each of the Montessori curriculum areas?
• How are the Montessori biology materials best used? Are they enough?
• How might a busy teacher, or one who doesn’t know much about gardening, find help?

Kathryn Ross considers these questions and offers specific ideas about connecting young children in a Montessori setting to the natural world.