Outdoor Environment
Besides the vegetable garden where we grow seasonal vegetables, our outdoor environment provides many opportunities for free play and nature study besides Montessori activities of care for the environment.
We have planted many indigenous species of shrub and encouraged bird life. There is also a constructed wetland where frogs and wetland plants are at home. The preservation of some undisturbed areas often leads to spontaneous nature finds.
We also have various pets at the school such as guinea pigs, goldfish and a dog. The children are taught how to respect and care for live creatures, both the pets and other creatures in the environment.
The outside environment plays a vital role , and its importance cannot be overstated. Maria Montessori emphasised the significance of the outdoor environment in promoting holistic development and supporting the Montessori educational philosophy. Here are several reasons why the outside environment holds such value in a Montessori-style preschool:
- Connection with Nature: The outside environment provides children with direct contact and immersion in the natural world. This connection with nature fosters a sense of awe, appreciation, and respect for the environment. It allows children to explore, observe, and interact with plants, animals, and natural elements, nurturing their curiosity and love for the natural world.
- Sensorial Stimulation: The outdoor environment offers a rich sensory experience. Children can engage their senses through activities such as feeling the texture of different surfaces, hearing the sounds of birds and wind, smelling the scents of flowers and plants, and observing the changing colors of the sky. These sensorial experiences provide a foundation for cognitive development, language acquisition, and the refinement of the senses.
- Gross Motor Development: Outdoor spaces in a Montessori-style preschool provide ample opportunities for children to engage in physical activities and develop their gross motor skills. Running, climbing, jumping, swinging, and playing in open spaces and on playground equipment promote strength, coordination, balance, and spatial awareness. These physical experiences support the development of the whole child and contribute to their overall well-being.
- Freedom and Independence: The outside environment offers children a sense of freedom and independence. It provides a larger space for exploration and movement, allowing children to make choices, take risks, and develop self-regulation. The open-air setting encourages children to follow their own interests, engage in imaginative play, and develop a sense of autonomy and responsibility.
- Environmental Awareness and Sustainability: By experiencing the outside environment firsthand, children develop an understanding of the interconnectedness of all living beings and the importance of environmental stewardship. Montessori-style preschools often incorporate eco-friendly practices, such as composting, gardening, and recycling, which instill a sense of environmental responsibility from an early age.
Our Outdoor Environment
