Fostering an appreciation for nature is a cornerstone of Montessori teachings. Dr. Maria Montessori was a strong advocate of integrating nature into the daily learning plan of all students. She believed that “there must be provision for the child to have contact with nature; to understand and appreciate the order, the harmony, and the beauty in nature.”
After days of observing patiently, our very hungry caterpillars fulfilled their metamorphosis process and became beautiful painted lady butterflies! Children were in awe to see them stretching their wings when they emerged from their chrysalis. They also had the opportunity to observe them very closely while the butterflies used their tongues to drink the nectar from a juicy clementine.
One by one, the butterflies were released into our Zen Garden and we got to see them flying away! Your little ones were very excited to see the butterflies standing on their fingers or clothes. There was so much giggling and excitement! It was a great experience for all of us!
On another note, some of the popular works this week were the matching pegs and rings work, encouraging creativity while fostering fine motor skills and shape and color recognition; water transfer by operating a dropper; our new addition into the movement area – a walking beam; and our fun sensory bin using colorful cooked spaghetti! Oh how they loved the tactile and visual experience! Some of them also turned it into a gustatory experience! 🙂
Older children also enjoyed three period lessons using our giant insects. This week we introduced the praying mantis, the ant, and the grasshopper.
For food tasting, we enjoyed some delicious mango! Children were amazed at how heavy it was to carry one. They were also shocked to discover that the pulp was yellow and not pink as they thought and they all entirely loved the flavor! Another win for your list!
