The Montessori philosophy places great value on the experiences of the child and how they view themselves in the world, in nature, and within their family unit. Many Montessori-led activities are noticeable for their emphasis on using natural materials and practical applications to learn new concepts, such as those found in the natural world and even in the domestic realm. Preschoolers, especially, can find great value in these activities and learn in a way that is perfectly suited for them. Read on for just a couple of examples of activities for preschoolers that are influenced in the Montessori way.
Appreciating Nature
Nature is heavily emphasized in the Montessori philosophy and can serve to be an excellent learning tool for preschool-age children. Using concepts that are readily observable, children are better able to understand topics that relate to mathematics, patterns, and change. Collecting items in a nature bag including twigs, leaves, shells, and stones can be an excellent example of an activity that will inspire children to notice nature and what sets each item apart. Observing the pattern of rings on a seashell, for example, can be compared to the pattern that is displayed on an oak leaf. Laying these items out on a dedicated nature table then allows children to view the similarities as well as the differences between the items, allowing for the understanding that nature holds a vast variety of life while also holding unique features for each one. This also opens up a great opportunity for the children to feel the textures of each natural item, making for fantastic sensory play.
Artistic Expression
The ability to express oneself in an artistic way is an incredibly positive and healthy quality for children to learn and cultivate. Through the Montessori way, children are encouraged to engage in learning dance, music, and expression. Play silks have long been a favorite tool used by Montessori educators to teach children the effects of movement and flow and can be utilized wonderfully when accompanied by music. Throwing silk scarves in the air or shaking them with playing music can make for a great way for children to understand tempo and pace and have a blast at the same time. Likewise, learning to articulate oneself through art such as painting can lead to healthy ways for children to learn self-expression and the importance of what makes their experiences unique to them. Classes using watercolors to paint the image of a bird flying in the sky, for instance, will encourage students to not only develop a knack for expressing themselves in an artistic way but also notice how other students take the same subject and portray it.
Contact a local preschool program to ask about what teaching methods they use.
Share10 September 2021
I have always been an overwhelmingly positive person, but a few years ago I realized that there were some things I needed to straighten out in my life. For starters, it seemed like I was really having a hard time advancing in my career, and I was also struggling with money. I realized that if I wanted to make things right, I needed to start by focusing on my education. I began going through and working hard to further my horizons, and it was really interesting to see how much of a difference a little learning made. This blog is all about understanding how to brighten your future with education.
