Care of the Environment

In most classrooms, the library is a place of quiet and solitude. Books become the tools of early reading and language development and it is important to model their care early so that they can last as long as possible. This exercise is designed to help students understand the importance of gentle movements and honor the special place books occupy in the classroom.

Caring for plants around the classroom is a great way for students to increase their awareness of the classroom environment, as well as understand the growth cycle of plant species. In our classroom we compare leaf forms, talk about how they improve air quality, and after students are shown this exercise, they will ask daily to participate in their care. This one is great for those squirmy wormy days where the outside environment might not be as fun as all the activities student's can perform inside.

Exercises that care for the environment like crumbing help to connect students to their classroom. This connection is essential as it creates a personal interest resembling responsibility for the care and maintenance of their surroundings. This leads to students cleaning up the spills of their lunch and food activities, as well as a general awareness of others and respect for their activities.

Exercises that care for the environment like fabric folding help to connect students to their classroom. This connection is essential as it creates a personal…

There are few activities that bring peace, beauty, and joy like flower arranging. Students will often come to school, bouquet in hand, smile on their…

Polishing activities are a great way to keep the hands busy, beautify the environment, and help students understand numerous meanings to cleanliness.  This activity can have many parts, with small figurines made of wood, glass, or metal, and the extensions can lead to classroom cleaning events, and science experiments.

It’s hard to measure how important this activity is for students who are developing their sense of responsibility and independence. Most activities in a Montessori…

Table washing is a more advanced cleaning exercise that students can participate in. Age 2.5 and Older Category Care of the Environment Preliminary Exercises Prerequisites…