Montessori Acres
Dr. Montessori placed a crucial emphasis on Botany and Zoology in the classrooms; the inclusion of nature is critical in Montessori education. Our students have access to our privately owned farm “Montessori Acres”. Our farm provides the students with a tremendous opportunity to interact with nature, and have hands-on practical experience within outdoor learning spaces, animals, green spaces, and gardens. This opens a magical world of nature to each child. Our Montessori teachers who accompany their class use the natural wonders to awaken their curious minds and incorporate concepts from their classroom curriculum.
Weather permitting, students take trips to Montessori Acres in rotation of classrooms. Those students in Pre-K, Kindergarten, and Elementary have signed waivers prior to participating in Montessori Acres educational outings.
Montessori Acres provides the foundation for our students to explore, touch, smell, taste, and heighten their senses in a natural setting; including motor skill activities, muscular movement, eye- hand coordination, and problem-solving skills.
We also offer insight to many lessons that are taught by the teachers in their classrooms- such as math, geometry, life cycles, measurements, pond life, and animal anatomy to name a few; all of which help to understand our symbiotic relationship with and wonders presented by nature. The classroom at Montessori Acres features a collection of unique lessons that explore the Montessori curriculum of Botany and Zoology.
A Day at the Farm
Hey Kids - Have you ever wondered how the day unfolds at the farm?
Our animals wake up extremely early at 5:00 a.m. and if they are not up by then our rooster will crow loudly with a wakeup call! Thereafter, their barn “bedrooms” are cleaned; and it is breakfast time for everyone. Do you know how important a balanced diet is for our animals? Their food is planned and measured daily by the farm staff. They make sure that everything the animals eat is nourishing and wholesome to keep them healthy! The animals have a diet of hay, grains with vitamins and minerals, all mixed in very large buckets, kind of like an animal casserole! All the animals also graze on green grass and drink fresh water.
Throughout the day the animals exercise in the pastures by running, galloping, or just strolling around. On hot summer days, they stay inside the barns and graze the pastures during the evenings when it is cooler.
All the animals are groomed daily as well. Their grooming requires a lot of time. The animals also have special visits from the farrier to have their hooves trimmed. They have "spa days" being hosed down and washed with shampoo and conditioner.
The animals LOVE to be admired and petted by all the students of Montessori Academy. They are very well socialized and are a part of the hands-on learning experience.
As our students learn and play at Montessori Acres, the daily connection, observation, and experiential learning allows our students to advocate for animals and to appreciate and protect their natural world.
Meet Our Adorable Animals
Organic Gardening and Environmental Education
At Montessori Acres first-hand experience in gardening and environmental studies leads our students to a true appreciation of nature. The students work in our organic garden through the seasons collecting seeds, propagating plants, weeding, assisting with mulching to control future weeds, and harvesting the fruits of their labor.
Students study soil, convert farm waste and bedding into compost, conduct hands-on demonstrations with water cycles, and understand native plants.
Having positive experiences in nature at a very young age is an important step towards promoting curiosity about their environment and inspiring future leaders who will safeguard our planet.
