“Let the children be free; encourage them; let them run outside when it is raining; let them remove their shoes when they find a puddle of water; and when the grass of the meadows is wet with dew, let them run on it and trample it with their bare feet; let them rest peacefully when a tree invites them to sleep beneath its shade; let them shout and laugh when the sun wakes them in the morning.” – Maria Montessori

An integral part of everyday activity is to bring nature into the curriculum. For our Toddlers, we are lucky to have the wonders of nature right outside on our playground. We are able to learn and explore the beauties of nature in situ, watching how each piece connects with and affects the pieces around it.

And there are plenty of things around our playground to explore. For example, some days we watch how squirrels behave and move around the trees, or we handle rocks, learning the sensorial properties of jagged or smooth surfaces, something the toddlers enjoy and have fun doing.

This is part of the Montessori activities outdoor and nature curriculum, but it is also something that parents and children can explore together at home. Some days, outdoor exploration can be a simple as taking a walk around your neighborhood, pointing out all the different birds and animals that you see. Another day you may visit a park or go into the backyard to build a little hut from sticks, leaves, and other natural materials. Outdoor exploration can be long or short, simple or more complex. The most important thing is that the child has the chance to explore, imagine, and absorb the lessons of nature.

I know how difficult it can be for parents thinking that they have one more thing to add to their list and I truly want to make it easier for parents to make nature a regular part of their day.  Do you remember as a child when you used to do chores on Saturday morning or afternoon?  Fast-forward and now you can help your toddlers’ accomplishments by giving them things to do outdoors. For instance, they can help clean the yard by removing, stones, rocks, toys, leaves, etc. ; or how about having them help to bag leaves or sweep up after mowing. For more ideas on outdoor chores that are fun for children click here.

I want to leave you with this thought: in spending time outdoors, toddlers will connect with nature in a personal way. They’ll see the impact of littering and understand how anyone can effect the environment — positively or negatively. Once they love nature, they’ll want to protect it, too.