Exploring Fall The Montessori Way

Of the four seasons, sometimes fall seems to “fall short”. Spring is lauded for its growth and new beginnings, summer is all lazy days, popsicles, and beach vacations, winter means Christmas and the most wonderful time of the year, and fall is sometimes seen as just dried-up leaves and impending frigid storms. But autumn is an amazing time of year! It, too, is a time of new beginnings: new backpacks, new indoor shoes, new teachers. It can signal a return to a comforting structure. Autumn brings brisk, refreshing air and cozy socks by the fireside, and we can’t forget Halloween! This year celebrate fall with your preschooler and these activities to help you explore this wonderful season the Montessori way.

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Celebrate Fall With These Montessori-Inspired Activities

Play With Pumpkins
Is it really fall if you don’t partake in some kind of pumpkin-related activity? Pumpkins and gourds are abundant this time of year. Gather some of your favourite squashes and decorate them with paints or markers. Partner with your preschooler and try carving faces in your pumpkin. This is a great opportunity to incorporate the Montessori method and include language development and creativity by asking your child what kind of eyes or how many teeth your pumpkin should have. Give your gourd character a name and make up a story to go along with their unique face. If you choose to carve your pumpkin, embrace the sensorial experience and play with the pumpkin guts. Separate the seeds and let your preschooler wash and season them for a delicious baked snack. Cut up and roast chunks of the pumpkin flesh and work together as a family to make yummy pumpkin pie, pumpkin muffins, or pumpkin pancakes.

Take A Nature Walk
Movement and time spent in nature are fundamental values in a Montessori education. Let your child guide you on a nature walk through your neighbourhood. Help them recognize and describe the signs of the changing seasons: the yellowing leaves, the smell of rain and cooler weather, and the changing colours of the animals as they grow their winter coats. Gather fallen pinecones and acorns for counting games or art projects. Encourage your child to notice and describe the way their body feels as the weather cools. Are their fingers cold? Can they see your nose turning red? If you are feeling ambitious, create a scavenger hunt and task your child with gathering some fall-specific objects on your walk.

Frolic In The Leaves
Children are programmed to learn more effectively through play. Return to your own childhood and take your preschooler outside to play in the falling leaves. Raking and gathering leaves is fun, but it is also a great activity to practice motor skills and movement coordination. Practical life activities foster independence and build confidence. Dig deep into your pile of leaves and help your child identify the unique colours and shapes of the different species. Try to match the leaves with the trees from which they have fallen. And don’t forget the most important part… taking a giant leap into the pile, watching them scatter, and starting all over again.

Fall Into A Montessori-Inspired Routine At Grey Matter Preschool

Fall is a wonderful time of year, and celebrating the colours, sights, and smells of the season is a great way to beat the back-to-school blues and forget about the snowy days ahead. These activities can help you explore the changing seasons and the unique gifts of autumn, the Montessori way.

If you are interested in exploring the benefits of a Grey Matter Montessori education for your preschool-aged or kindergarten-aged child, contact us to book a time for a school tour at our NW Calgary location. We are accessible just off of Symons Valley Parkway in the NW community of Evanston. Call us for more info on our Calgary Montessori preschool programming at 587-707-4739.

FAQ

Q: Is it better for my child to stay in a Montessori program for their entire school journey?
A: We may be biased, but we believe every child can benefit from a Montessori education. However, the reality is that Montessori education is not widely available for every student from preschool to grade 12 in Calgary. And factors such as location, community, finances, and availability will influence every family’s decision about where to send their children to school. But even if a Montessori preschool program is the only exposure to the Montessori method of child-led learning your child will have, the impact of this philosophy of education will set the groundwork for future academic and social success.
For more information read How A Montessori Preschool Prepares Your Child For A Traditional Kindergarten Program.

Q: Is there a checklist of things my child must know before attending preschool?
A: At Grey Matter Montessori in Calgary, we value the differences that make each child unique. If your child is aged 3-6 they may be ready to begin to explore learning and we are ready to facilitate it. Learn more about exploring your child’s readiness for preschool here. And to help your child get ready for the start of their exciting educational journey, read How To Prepare Your Child For Montessori Preschool This Fall.

Q: When do you accept registration?
A: Grey Matter Montessori has ongoing registration and even offers advanced registrations (up to two years). Contact our office for more information on the upcoming school year and register as early as possible to ensure availability for your desired days and times.