We are entering a year in which getting everyone to act is imperative to provide our children with a hopeful climate future, but how can we teach them to take care of the planet with the Montessori methodology?
María Montessori's philosophy focuses on training individuals capable of contributing and interacting harmoniously with their family, social and, of course, natural environment. In this sense it could be argued how the very success of ecology. Understanding ecology as the science that studies the relationships of living beings with each other or the relationships between beings that inhabit the same environment.
The "Flower of Peace" designed by María Montessori represents all those values and the necessary awareness that allows children to encourage conserving the world's resources and living sustainably.
At home we can encourage this learning in a very simple way:
Contact with nature
"Man still belongs to nature and, especially when he is a child, he must draw from her the necessary forces for the development of body and spirit."
Maria Montessori
It's hard to want to take care of something that has no meaning to them, to love nature they must be able to be in contact with it. Many studies show the developmental and health benefits of children's interaction with nature, which is another reason to seek outings to the beach, the park, the river or any place that offers them the opportunity to explore the natural world with your five senses.
Nature allows you to touch, smell, hear, see and taste. It is full of sensory experiences, so important for children. Also, we must not forget the capacity for wonder and curiosity that children have, they can marvel at following a butterfly and ask a thousand questions after seeing a caterpillar eating a leaf!
Reinforces their sense of responsibility and community
Let your "little scientist" emerge, encourage him to explore and understand the interdependencies between all beings and his special mission in the protection of the earth and its resources.
“The child needs to be recognized, respected and helped. The child is the father of the man. Maria Montessori.
This phrase by María Montessori has a profound value that can also be applied to the planet: Nature needs to be recognized, respected and helped. Nature is the mother of man. Do not you believe it?
From home you can instill that respect and recognition by making your children part of sustainable habits that can be practiced at home: separate the garbage, take care of light and water, grow plants, have a garden, do crafts with reused materials... and the list goes on.
But above all, avoid encouraging consumerism. The more they understand, depending on their age, everything that is involved in getting their food or toys into their hands and how it affects the environment, the better they will learn to appreciate and value the planet's resources.
Be their role model
“Don't tell them how to do it. Show them how to do it and don't say a word. If you tell them, they'll be watching your lips move. If you teach them how to do it, they will want to do it themselves.”
Maria Montessori
The simple fact of seeing your family's commitment to take care of the planet at home is the most overwhelming of examples. You will automatically become their favorite superhero!
Also, you can work with their social and cultural awareness by attending and getting involved in environmental activities and allowing them to participate in them. Collaborate in a school program, go to campaigns to clean beaches or public spaces, release sea turtles, collect plastic caps or bottles for a social cause, support animal protection associations. There are many activities to choose from! The important thing is that you choose those that you really enjoy doing so that you can transmit that passion and enthusiasm to your children.
What other activities do you practice at home to take care of the planet?