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World Environment Day: Learning About Our World The Montessori Way

World Environment Day: Learning About Our World The Montessori Way

June 5, 2022, is World Environment Day. This day of awareness is led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the theme is “Only One Earth” with a focus on “Living Sustainably In Harmony with Nature”. This is a big and heavy topic meant to draw attention to the climate crisis and catastrophic destruction of our planet’s precious ecosystems with a call to protect and restore our planet. But it is also meant to inspire and celebrate environmental action. It is important to educate and motivate our children to be a part of a movement to protect our earth, but it is also important not to alarm our youngest generation. This is the Montessori way to balance an understanding of the urgent nature of climate action with age-appropriate messaging.

Celebrating The Wonders Of Nature The Montessori Way

Our preschool and pre-kindergarten students are just beginning to explore, understand, and make sense of the world around them. Messaging about the climate crisis, global warming, and environmental catastrophes can cause stress and worry. At this age the best strategy is to celebrate the beauty of our planet, the awesomeness of nature, and to understand the amazing animals, plants, and people all around the world. 

Culture And Science
One of the 5 main subject areas that is a focus of the Montessori methodology is the study of Culture and Science. Our students explore a variety of topics including geography, biology, zoology, history, music, and art. This helps Montessori students to understand the past and present of our planet and our peoples and to explore living and non-living aspects of our environment. This strong factual and scientific learning is a foundation for activism and positive global citizenship in the future.

Empowering Action
With this base of knowledge we can empower our preschool and pre-kindergarten aged children to take action on global issues in the most age appropriate way. Here are some ways to engage your child this World Environment Day:

  • Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: This is the perfect age to introduce this basic concept of caring for our environment. Talk to your child about ways you can reduce the amount of garbage your family creates like avoiding single serving packages for snack items. Find ways to reuse items such as boxes or used milk jugs in a new, useful way. Recycle together and sort paper, plastic, and metal into the recycling bin instead of the trash.
  • Eat Smart: Introduce the concept of eating seasonal foods to reduce the impact of your food choices on the environment. Teach your child that local, fresh produce choices are good for their bodies and good for the environment. Grow a garden together and enjoy the bounties of your own harvest.
  • Be A Good Neighbour: When you walk through your neighbourhood or visit the playground, consider donning gloves and picking up garbage to keep your community clean and healthy.
  • Listen To Dad’s Advice: Teach your child to turn off the lights when leaving a room and shut off the tap while brushing their teeth. This old-school teaching of many dads is a great way to become conscientious of the smallest things we can do to make a difference.

Global Learning, Local Action The Montessori Way

The Montessori method focuses on developmentally and age-appropriate strategies to help children understand the environment, their communities, and the world around them. By providing hands-on opportunities for a child to engage and effect change, we empower our preschoolers to realize their own potential and become knowledgeable, compassionate global citizens.

If you are interested in exploring the benefits of a Grey Matter Montessori education for your preschool or pre-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 early child education programming at 1-587-707-4739.

FAQ

Q: Should I make sure my child is not exposed to the news about the climate crisis?
A: You know your child best. And your family has an intrinsic set of values regarding politics, world news, and current events. If your child is particularly anxious, you may choose to avoid exposure to distressing information. If your family regularly engages in discussion about global happenings, your child may naturally engage and express opinions and viewpoints too. But regardless, if your child is asking questions about something they have heard, a child-led, age-appropriate conversation is encouraged.

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

Q: What is the best time to register my preschool child for the upcoming school year?
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.


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