Science can be such a great hands-on subject, especially if The Montessori Philosophy is used.
In the Montessori Science curriculum 3-6, children learn best in a specific order.
They start with Botany, but Zoology follows closely.
In studying life cycles, you can involve both branches of Science (Zoology and Botany).
Both are connected to life cycles.
For example, you can study life cycles of different plants, such as the bean, apple, pumpkin in Botany.
And in Zoology, you would study the life cycles of animals, both big and small.
If you are looking to becoming a centered, organized Montessori Guide, nurture happy, normalized children and want to create smooth, successful Montessori days, then you are in the right place!
Let me know in comments what you know about this topic, what you have applied, what you have tried that worked, what you have tried that didn’t work and if you have any questions as we get into this training.
In this training, we will be focusing on how to go about using life cycle activities for Montessori Science, whether it is Botany or Zoology.
As you watch or listen to this training, know that you will be able to get more information than what is included in this blog post.
I really want to encourage you to take the time to watch or listen and take notes.
This will be helpful to you now and in the future.
#1 MAKE LIFE CYCLE ACTIVITIES HANDS-ON, INTERACTIVE AND FUN
It is so important to see that this is to be a priority.
It is not only to keep it fun for children.
Not at all. Although it is part of it, it is not only about that.
The reason why you should make sure this is done right is because children learn best when they do things with their hands.
For example, instead of giving a child a plant life cycle worksheet, think about maybe putting together a great life cycle of a chicken art and craft!
“Scientific observation then has established that education is not what the teacher gives; education is a natural process spontaneously carried out by the human individual, and is acquired not by listening to words but by experiences upon the environment.” ― Education For A New World
#2 MAKE LIFE CYCLE ACTIVITIES VISUAL, REALISTIC AND PLEASING TO THE EYE
Do you think that children would enjoy, for example, to make a chicken life cycle craft or just filling out a worksheet?
Anything that gets children thinking, moving and reading is great.
A butterfly life cycle printable book is a good example.
Keep things lovely, attractive and make sure that they spark a sense of curiosity in children.
I love to use printable wheels that are two circles that overlap and are held together by a brad.
The top circle has a window cut out to reveal whatever is in the circle underneath.
In the butterfly life cycle wheel, for example, children will learn the order of the life cycle by moving the top circle clockwise.
Each time the window moves to a new section, the next part of the life cycle is revealed.
We especially need imagination in science. It is not all mathematics, nor all logic, but it is somewhat beauty and poetry — Maria Montessori
#3 MAKE LIFE CYCLE ACTIVITIES CLEARLY EDUCATIONAL
Remember that making things hands-on don’t make them Montessori.
Remember that making activities lovely and pleasing to the eye does not make them Montessori.
Yes, Montessori activities are all those things, but they must also be educational.
They must have at least one main aim for learning.
They must be connected to at least one Montessori subject.
They must teach a child something.
Keep that in mind whenever you are going to make something related to life cycles.
Don’t just make a cute butterfly craft.
That might help the child learn an Art skill or practice fine motor skills.
But this won’t teach the child about the actual life cycle of the butterfly.
Include more stages, even if you keep it really simple for toddlers.
“Our work is not to teach, but to help the absorbent mind in its work of development. How marvelous it would be if by our help, if by an intelligent treatment of the child, if by understanding the needs of his physical life and by feeding his intellect, we could prolong the period of functioning of the absorbent mind!”
― The Absorbent Mind
In Conclusion
I hope that you find it interesting and important to include lessons about different life cycles into Your Montessori day.
You don’t have to do too many at once, but I would do at least one Botany and one Zoology every few months.
Head over to TheNaturalHomeschool.com (this blog’s main page or just scroll up).
Go to the search window at the header of this blog and search for “life cycle.”
You will see many ideas about this topic.
I know you will love it so much.
If you are interested, feel free to go to the shop as well.
We have some amazing bundles for different life cycles that will make your life easier.
HERE ARE THE RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Like I said at the beginning of the show, I have a FB group for all things Montessori that you are welcome to join.
It is called The Montessori Way Prep Room.
If you want to join a homeschool Facebook community, then join The Natural Homeschool Community!
Visit our page with all LIVE trainings HERE.
You May Also Benefit from these Important Montessori Topics:
Montessori lovers: Are you ready to make yourself a centered, organized Montessori Guide, nurture happy children and create smooth and successful days?
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