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“It is not nature alone, but nature and the environment together."
- Maria Montessori
Brass, wood, wicker, cotton, metal, and glass. All of these materials provide a multi-sensory experience for the children, and part of that is the visual appeal that results in a calm, prepared learning environment. Dr. Montessori emphasizes the use of real materials. She believed that imagination is the natural inclination of the child; it stems from what is real. To stimulate children's imagination, give them real objects and a real understanding of the world.
Play With Nature
The different textures, smells, sizes, colours, and sounds attributed to natural materials, make them ideal for play. Natural materials are a perfectly integrated element of children's play because the materials are easily accessible and encourage children to learn about nature, foster creativity, imagination and discovery. When using natural materials within the environment it enables children to be observant and to use all their senses.
Explore in Nature
It is important for the children in our program to be outside in all weather conditions as long as it is deemed safe by the Weather Network. We believe there is no bad weather in Toronto, but there is poor preparation for weather conditions. The impact of being outside means less chance of catching and spreading sicknesses, which means children can attend our program every week without missing out. Being out in nature doesn't just expand a child's knowledge, it also creates an enriching life experience. Children will sharpen their skills of observation and perception by utilizing all their senses.
Substitute Using
Nature
At Discover Green Montessori we try to find ways to substitute our everyday materials with materials that come from natural items. The range of natural materials we use are:
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Bark and twigs
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Leaves, grass and flowers
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Seashells
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Rocks and pebbles
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Sand and soil
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Seeds
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We do inspections on all of the natural materials we bring and the materials the children come into contact with outside to make sure it isn't harmful. We dispose and replace if there are signs of wear and tear on the materials we provide. It is difficult to disinfect provided natural items, therefore it is replaced often.
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A great way we substitute our everyday materials is handmaking natural playdough, but instead of colouring it with food dye, we use blueberries, avocado stone, tea powder, turmeric powder, vegetable, etc.