Did you know that experts state that just 2 hours a week outside can make a positive difference in your health? Countless studies agree that spending time in nature benefits your mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health. Maria Montessori knew the importance of how nature contributed to the child’s overall development and stressed the importance of learning from our natural world.
“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.” -Maria Montessori.
As the children follow their natural curiosities, and explore, they are inspired and grow a strong connection to our Earth. The children can understand how everything is connected, and where their place is in it all. Our Earth is in the hands of our next generation now, how they will care for it is up to how we lead them in caring for it.
“The land is where our roots are. The children must be taught to feel and live in harmony with the Earth.” -Maria Montessori
Our students are thrilled to be getting more time back in nature, with spring emerging and from celebrating our Earth last month. This includes taking walks, eating snacks outside, and starting to set up the outdoor classrooms.
How can you increase your time outside with your child?
Take a snack al fresco
Take a walk around the block after dinner or before bed (added benefit of naturally helping the child’s body get ready to sleep)
Give your child a non-breakable magnifying glass to take out into the backyard
Set your child up with a large paintbrush and a cup of water to “paint” the fence
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