In our Montessori environment, learning is never limited to one activity or one moment.
Instead, children are encouraged to explore, extend, and deepen their understanding through hands-on experiences that connect meaningfully with the world around them.
Recently, two of our tamariki chose to work with the botany puzzles in the classroom. With great focus and care, they completed the puzzles, identifying the different parts of plants and learning their names. This initial work sparked curiosity and enthusiasm, leading them to extend their learning even further.
After completing the puzzles, the children showed a strong interest in discovering more about plants. They explored books and materials that supported their understanding of roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and seeds. Through discussion and observation, they began to understand how each part plays an important role in helping plants grow and thrive; excitedly sharing this new knoweldge with their friends. This is a beautiful example of how Montessori encourages the expansion of learning. Rather than stopping at completing a task, children are supported to ask questions, seek answers, and make meaningful connections.
Our carefully prepared environment allows children to follow their interests and build upon them naturally. Our classroom and outdoor spaces play a vital role in this learning journey. Surrounded by plants, gardens, and natural materials, children are able to connect their work indoors with real-life experiences outdoors. They can observe plants growing, care for them, and see firsthand how nature supports life. This connection helps children develop respect and responsibility for the environment.
Through this learning, we also weave in concepts of sustainability. The children learn that plants provide us with food, oxygen, and shelter, and that caring for our environment is essential for the wellbeing of our planet. By understanding how plants grow and what they need, children begin to see themselves as kaitiaki—guardians of the natural world. This learning also connects strongly with Te Ao Māori, where the natural world is deeply valued and respected. Concepts such as whakapapa remind us that all living things are connected, while manaakitanga and kaitiakitanga guide us to care for the land and each other.
By nurturing children’s relationship with nature, we are supporting them to develop a sense of belonging and responsibility within their wider world. Moments like these remind us that meaningful learning happens when children are trusted to lead their own discoveries.
Through Montessori, our environment, and our values, we are growing confident, curious learners who understand their place within nature and their role in caring for it. We look forward to continuing to support our tamariki as they explore, question, and grow - one discovery at a time.