Lessons Under the Sky: Montessori and Nature

In the Montessori method, the learning environment is dynamic and purposefully designed to inspire discovery. Montessori materials are considered “teachers,” guiding children through hands-on exploration. When we extend this philosophy outdoors, nature becomes a teacher, offering lessons no classroom can replicate. In this blog, we explore why we need it and how we can foster a better bond with nature.

The Outdoors as a Living Classroom

Montessori philosophy views the environment—both indoors and outdoors—as an essential factor shaping how children learn and grow. While classroom materials refine fine motor skills and introduce abstract concepts, the outdoors engages the whole child: their senses, emotions, and intellect.

At NCBS, the natural world became a master educator. With the help of an Entomologist, Mr. Tarun, the children discovered a spider’s nest, explored a Sessidae moth cocoon, and marveled as a butterfly laid eggs. These moments didn’t just spark observation—they inspired wonder, questions, and storytelling about the life cycles unfolding before them. Such experiences nurture patience, gentleness, and respect for life while connecting classroom concepts to real-world phenomena. 

Curiosity and Growth in the World Beyond Walls

“There must be provision for the child to have contact with nature, to understand and appreciate the order, the harmony, and the beauty in nature… so that the child may better understand and participate in the marvelous things which civilization creates.”
– Maria Montessori

Montessori doesn’t create a child’s bond with nature—it nurtures what’s already there. Through planting seeds, observing insects, or simply sitting under a tree, children rediscover their place within the intricate web of life. These moments teach them to be both stewards and participants in the natural world. 

Rediscovering Nature in a Fast-Paced World

“I like walking because it is slow, and I suspect that the mind, like the feet, works at about three miles an hour. If this is so, then modern life is moving faster than the speed of thought or thoughtfulness.”
– Rebecca Solnit, Wanderlust: A History of Walking

In our fast-moving world, overstimulation and screen time can leave children anxious, dysregulated, and distracted. Nature offers a powerful antidote to hypnotic algorithms. Whether feeling the rough bark of a tree, following an ant’s trail, or watching a butterfly lay eggs, these quiet moments foster mindfulness, patience, and emotional balance, helping children thrive in a world that often demands too much, too fast. We need to go back to being one with nature now more than ever.

Montessori Tip: Embracing Nature’s Lessons

As parents and educators, we hold the power to deepen children’s bond with nature. Simple activities like a walk in the park, bird-watching, or gardening become gateways to mindfulness, wonder, and an appreciation for nuance.

Encourage children to notice the intricate patterns of a leaf or the rich texture of the soil. Each small act of engaging with the natural world fosters curiosity, patience, and a deep respect for our interconnected world—qualities that will guide them for a lifetime.

Taking a Leaf Out of Nature’s Book

 “We still recognize that much of what gives one’s life meaning stems from accidents, interruptions, and serendipitous encounters: the ‘off time’ that a mechanistic view of experience seeks to eliminate.”
—Jenny Odell, How to do Nothing

Spending time outdoors doesn’t just benefit children—it transforms us too. A walk in the woods reveals a technicolor world that screens can never match. By living intentionally with nature, we recalibrate our perspective and rediscover our place in life’s interconnected web.