The Outdoor Environment
The Inner Teacher at work : Here is a group of older toddlers suddenly running, others join, some keep running, others stop. We don't know why, but they feel the "urge to run", or "urge to join in". Adults spot the group for safety, but we try not to interfere with this "desire" they feel to jus run in a large loop, up steps, etc. If they fall, we will help out with hugs & ice packs, but actually nobody does fall, we don't want to interfere.
Changing Shoes
"outside shoes"
INDEPENDENCE
Heading Outside
We teach skills which encourage Independence. This enables the toddlers freedom to get outside when they "need". Easy on/off style shoes, putting on a jacket, holding the rail on stairs.(for younger ones, they crawl down feet first, allowing them safe arrival)
Installed a low hand rail,
for safer independence
Zippers are easier for Toddlers
Buttons can be tricky, creating
an obstacle to early independence
Lawn/Turf Area
"Soft landing" surface allows the toddlers to practice balance, large motor, socializing, and exercise full independence while outdoors. They have learned "wait", "hold on", for safety.
"Brachiation": important developmentally,
Montessori "ontogenesis recapitulates phylogenesis". (evolution of the person)
swings are very low, we teach them to push off, we don't give pushes on the swings :)... independence rules
Group on "extended balance beam" (above)
(below) Toddlers "waiting to slide".... kind of amazing!
Large Motor & Balance
Nature / Science (botany, worms, watering plants, etc)
There are so many ways for the toddlers to interact with and explore the outside world. This is a "gateway to earth science and nature" for seeding lifelong interest. It is also just good for their development, experiencing the joy of "following their Inner teacher" toward discovering themselves!
Montessori Practical Life: (working with water outdoors is nice :)
(this work can also be done indoors)
Outside Snack : single or a group: Wash Hands, eat w/o kicking milk over, put cup away, wipe hands & face w/ cloth! (busy toddlers!)
Outside Snack
Clothesline Work
Raking Leaves
Pump up a Ball :
locate hole, (sit down), insert needle, pump
