Maria Montessori felt strongly about the connection between indoor and outdoor classrooms. She wanted the indoor and outdoor classroom to be seamless. Montessori activities lend themselves to the outdoor education environment. This post includes my favorites quotes for outdoor learning.
“Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old. ~ Kafka
There is so much truth to this quote. I chose to add this quote in outdoor learning because the ability to see the beauty is so present in the outdoor environment. Get outdoors and you will never grow old.
“All things share the same breath – the beast, the tree, the man. The air shares its spirit with all the life it supports.” ~ Chief Seattle
One of my all-time favorite books for children because it tells a historic tale with a huge message behind it. I love the illustrations of the book and the message is extremely powerful.
“Those who look for the laws of Nature as a support for their new works collaborate with the creator.” ~ Antoni Gaudi
Another favorite book on our reference shelves. The book is called Building on Nature. Every Antoni Gaudi work integrates nature. He had an eye and brought it into his work in an astounding way.
Montessori Quotes for Outdoor Learning
“Don't eat anything your great-grandmother wouldn't recognize as food.” ~ Michael Pollan
This quote embodies outdoor learning. Avoid processed, factory manufactured food. Stick to one ingredient and know from where your food came.
“Nature gives to every time and season some beauties of its own.” ~ Charles Dickens
“Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influence of each.” ~Henry David Thoreau
“It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it.” ~John Burroughs
“Must we always teach our children with books? Let them look at the mountains and the stars up above. Let them look at the beauty of the waters and the trees and flowers on earth. They will then begin to think, and to think is the beginning of a real education.” ~ David Polis
“Now I see the secret of making the best persons, it is to grow in the open air and to eat and sleep with the earth.” ~ Walt Whitman
“April hath put a spirit of youth in everything.” ~ Sonnet XCVIII
One of the most captivating moments of the year is when the birds begin chirping and the blossoms begin blooming. April is the month of showers but it truly does bring May flowers.
“Children are born naturalists. They explore the world with all of their senses, experiment in the environment, and communicate their discoveries to those around them.” ~ The Audubon Nature Preschool
Yes, yes, yes. Being outdoors is THE best teacher for young children, heck, for all of us! The fresh air, the movement of our bodies, and the multi-sensory experiences. Nothing beats that type of learning. Kids soak it all in.
“The world is but a canvas to the imagination.” ~ Henry David Thoreau
I can only wish for those “clean slate” moments when the world is truly at our fingertip. So much possibility. So much hope.
“The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.” ~ John Muir