Nurturing Scientific Observation Through Botany in Children’s House
“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, The Secret of Childhood
Children’s House is filled with botany lessons at this time of year. These activities offer young children more than just an introduction to the world of plants, they provide a vital foundation for scientific thinking and observation. Dr. Maria Montessori recognized that children are naturally curious about the living world and interest in nature is powerful for learning.
Botany studies start when young children begin to care for a classroom plant, match leaf shapes, or explore parts of a flower. They are practicing observation, classification, and attention to detail. These foundational skills are essential to scientific inquiry. The Montessori botany materials in the classroom include the puzzle of the parts of a leaf, flower, and tree and are designed to isolate specific characteristics that invite the child to notice, compare, identify, and ask questions.
Botany also encourages a sense of awe and respect for life. When children participate in planting seeds or observe the changes in a sprouting bean, they begin to understand natural cycles and the interconnectedness of living things.
These lessons support the development of the scientific mind, a mind that observes with care, thinks with curiosity, and acts with reverence for life. It’s a beautiful example of how the Montessori approach prepares children to engage with the world around them.
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Harborlight Montessori is a non-profit, private, independent, school for students from Preschool through Grade 8.
Middle School, Elementary, Preschool, Afterschool, Summer Programs, Vacation Week Programs
Middle School, Elementary, Preschool, Afterschool, Summer Programs, Vacation Week Programs
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