Montessori Gardening For Kids: Essential Benefits and Fun Gardening Activities to Try

gardening for kids

Gardening is not only a fun outdoor activity for kids but also a great way to teach them about the environment and nature. Montessori gardening focuses on the child’s natural inclination to explore and learn through hands-on experiences. This approach to gardening helps children develop important life skills and encourages them to connect with their surroundings. If you are looking for a fun and educational activity with your kids, then Montessori gardening might be just what you need.

This blog post will explore the essential benefits of Montessori gardening for kids and provide some fun gardening activities. We will discuss how gardening can help kids develop cognitive skills and physical skills, learn about science and the environment, and cultivate creativity. We will also share some practical tips on creating a child-friendly garden and involving kids in the gardening process.

Gardening: Is It Part of the Montessori Curriculum?

Have you visited Montessori preschool? If so, you may notice that the children actively planted and cared for plants. At the core of the Montessori curriculum is the goal of having children engaged in hands-on activities. This means that Montessori schools will have ample space for gardening, usually separated into different beds and pots. This means Gardening is part of the Montessori curriculum.

Does Gardening Help With Child Development?

gardening for kids

Gardening is a fun activity for children to engage in; many parents let children experience gardening to have them enjoy the activity. However, not every parent realizes the benefits of gardening for kids. Gardening provides numerous benefits to children and helps them to develop various skills and learn about the environment. These benefits include:

  • Gardening Helps Children Develop Cognitive Skills: Gardening may be the perfect activity to help your child develop his/her cognitive skills. Children learn about science and the earth’s cycles by observing plants and learning how to care for them. Gardening also teaches children to observe their environment, which is a lesson that every child should learn from a young person.
  • Gardening Helps Improve Communication: Another skill that children need to develop is communication skills. Many educational experts believe that a child’s communication ability will determine how well he/she grows up. Gardening would mainly benefit children who are having difficulty developing these skills.
  • Gardening is Fun: Gardening is not just a boring activity; it’s exciting and enjoyable. So kids will get so much joy out of growing and harvesting plants, and they will surely enjoy this activity as well.

Lessons Can Be Taught Through Gardening for Kids?

Several lessons can be taught to children through gardening. Here are just some of the lessons that children can learn:

  • Science: Learning about the science behind plants and how different things affect plants is one of the biggest lessons that Montessori children learn. Children learn about photosynthesis and how plants breathe. They also observe and note data such as soil composition, water amounts, sunlight levels, etc.
  • Caregiving: Montessori children learn a valuable lesson in caring for others and cultivating kindness. They learn to care for plants and observe how they grow over time. This teaches them about compassion as they begin looking after living things that need their help.
  • Creativity: Gardening is a great way for children to look at things differently and develop creative ideas. Children can draw or paint their favorite flowers and herbs with different colors and get creative with planting designs, small models of houses, etc.

How to Start With Montessori Gardening

how to start with montessori gardening

This section will discuss the many ways to start gardening with Montessori children. We will also share some tips and tricks you can use to create a child-friendly garden.

The first step is knowing where you want to start your garden. Consider your available space and what plants are suitable for your region and climate.

Next, involve the children in the planning process. Discuss what they would like to grow and encourage them to research the plants they are interested in.

Also, you should buy an appropriate soil conditioner for your garden. Grains, fruits, and vegetables need rich soil, different from the soil used for growing flowers and herbs. So it would be a good idea to get a soil conditioner suitable for the plants you plan to grow.

Choose Montessori gardening kits and make sure the area is safe for children. Allow the children to participate in every step of the gardening process, from planting to harvesting.

Encourage exploration and learning by incorporating sensory experiences and opportunities for observation and discovery.

Remember, the goal of Montessori gardening is to promote hands-on learning and to instill a love of nature in children. Have fun, and enjoy the process!

 7 Interesting Montessori Gardening Activities for Kids

There are many Montessori gardening activities that you can try with your child. These include:

1. Planting Seeds

planting seeds

 Planting seeds is one of the first activities that children can do in a garden. They observe how seeds grow into beautiful plants, which teaches them about growth and development. Place different types of seeds in your garden and let your child decide which ones look the most appealing to him/her. You should also let your child choose the type of soil that he/she wants to use for planting. One great thing about Montessori gardening is that you don’t have to make every decision for your children.

2. Learning About Plants

Once the seeds have been planted, your child will observe them closely. They will learn about how plants grow, the good and bad things that affect plants, and other important information.

Encourage children to write this information in a notebook or doodle it on paper. This will help encourage them to write and develop their communication skills. Your child can also use pictures to document everything he/she has learned through gardening.

3. Soil Investigation

Soil is the foundation for any garden, so it’s important for young learners to understand the different types of soil and how they can affect plant growth. Take a soil sample from your garden and provide magnifying glasses for children to examine the soil particles. Show them how to identify different types of soil based on their texture, color, and composition.

4. Composting

Composting is the process of turning organic waste, such as food scraps, yard waste, and paper products, into nutrient-rich soil. This process is a key component of gardening because it helps improve plants’ health and productivity by enriching the soil with essential nutrients.

When teaching children about composting, explaining how it works and the benefits of recycling organic waste is important. Start by creating a compost bin or pile in your garden area and provide children with a container to collect food scraps and yard waste. Encourage them to add these materials to the compost bin or pile and explain how the composting process works.

The composting process involves the breakdown of organic material by microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and worms. As the materials break down, they release nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, essential for plant growth. This nutrient-rich soil can then be used to improve the health and productivity of plants in the garden.

Teaching children about composting is a great way to promote sustainability and encourage them to think about ways they can reduce waste and recycle materials. Children can learn about the importance of conserving resources and protecting the environment by composting organic waste. Additionally, they will gain hands-on experience in gardening and learn valuable skills for a lifetime.

5. Harvesting

Allow children to help harvest fruits and vegetables from the garden. This activity promotes a sense of responsibility and allows children to see the fruits of their labor. It also teaches children about the nutritional value of fresh produce and healthy eating habits.

6. Gardening Activities For Visual Learners

If your child is a visual learner, you should also incorporate some gardening activities for them. You can do many activities for visual learners, like drawing, painting, and sketching their plants, garden, and everything they have learned.

7. Garden Art

gardening for kids

Have children create art using natural materials found in the garden, such as leaves, flowers, and twigs. This activity promotes creativity and encourages children to appreciate the beauty of nature. It also teaches children about the different textures, shapes, and colors found in the garden.

Final Thoughts

Undoubtedly, gardening is the best way for children to learn about nature and its various aspects. Montessori children, in particular, love to get their hands dirty and nurture the plants that they have grown. It is an excellent way to encourage them to learn, learn more, and become highly satisfied!

If you plan on turning your green thumb into a Montessori gardening activity, then you should look at some of our other gardening guides, where you will find all the necessary tips, tricks, and techniques.

Here at Montessori Academy, we believe bringing your child closer to nature is one of the best ways to develop their mind and body. Montessori gardening activities are a great way to provide your child with a hands-on learning experience and make them understand the importance of plants in our environment. Please let us know in the comments section below if you have questions about Montessori gardening.

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