Creating a Fall Nature Table in the Montessori Environment

While Montessori’s Cosmic Education is formally presented in the second plane of development in the Montessori lower elementary environment, we can indirectly prepare younger children to admire and respect the world around them by creating hands-on learning opportunities. One way to strengthen this connection is by introducing a nature table into your Montessori environment. A fall nature table allows young children to observe, touch, and interact with elements of the natural world, fostering curiosity, independence, and sensory exploration. It also helps bring the beauty of autumn into the your Montessori environment.

Preparing an Infant/Toddler Fall Nature Table

In the Montessori infant and toddler environment, the nature table serves primarily as a sensory exploration station. The nature table allows young children to

• touch and feel, exploring new textures and shapes of objects. They can pick up a smooth stone, brush their fingers over a leaf, or explore the smell of a pinecone.
• explore and develop curiosity: Even simple objects like a crunchy leaf can stimulate curiosity. They may watch it fall to the ground, crumple it, or notice how the light shines through it. Every interaction builds the child’s sensory awareness and understanding of nature.
• build vocabulary: As they interact with the table, teachers can model new words and language, starting first with nouns such as “acorn,” “moss,” or “leaves,” and later adding descriptive adjectives such as “smooth,” “bumpy,” or the names of colors.

When preparing a fall nature table for infants and toddlers, safety and simplicity are key. Young children are still developing fine motor skills and a sense of curiosity about the world around them, so it’s important to choose materials that are safe, durable, and engaging.

• Accessibility: Set up a table that is easily within reach for infants and toddlers. Using a low table allows children to see and touch everything, encouraging them to freely explore and interact with all the objects.
• Safety first: Choose natural materials that are large enough not to pose a choking hazard. For example, large pinecones, big acorns, sturdy leaves, and thick sticks are ideal. Be mindful of any sharp edges, small parts, or toxic plants.
• Sensory focus: Focus on items that are sensory rich. Young children enjoy textures, sounds, and colors. Items such as smooth stones, crunchy leaves, soft moss, and textured gourds can all provide valuable sensory input.
• Minimalism: Keep the display simple with just a few items at a time. Too many objects can overwhelm young children. Consider rotating items throughout the fall season to keep the table fresh and engaging.

Preparing an Early Childhood Fall Nature Table

In the Montessori early childhood environment, children have greater independence and ability to explore more complex objects. A fall nature table can serve as an evolving resource for scientific and imaginative inquiry, language development, and artistic expression. The nature table allows young children to

• observe and investigate: Children at this age are naturally inclined to study natural objects closely. They may compare the shapes of leaves and try to match them to the Botany Cabinet insets. They can observe how different seeds feel or hypothesize why some acorns are smaller than others.
• create and reflect: Children can use the nature table as inspiration for art and writing using the Moveable Alphabet. They may draw pictures of the objects or discuss their observations with peers and teachers, deepening their connection to the world around them.
• classify and sort: The nature table can be an area for classifying and sorting activities. Children can sort items by size, color, or type, helping them develop early science and math skills.

Here are a few ideas to keep in mind when preparing a fall nature table in the early childhood Montessori environment:

• Use diverse materials: Include a variety of natural items, such as autumn leaves, pinecones, tree bark, feathers, seeds, nuts, flowers, and even small pumpkins or gourds. As children explore these materials, discuss the changes happening in the natural world during the fall season.
• Encourage an interactive setup: Allow the children to help create the table. Encourage them to bring in natural items from their own outdoor experiences, such as a colorful leaf they found in the park or an interesting seedpod from their backyard.
• Provide for scientific observation and artistic expression: On a shelf nearby, provide simple tools like magnifying glasses, small balance scales, and rulers so children can closely examine and compare the items on the table. These tools invite further investigation and encourage scientific thinking. Sketchpads or blank paper, along with colored pencils or crayons, encourage children to draw the items they see or make leaf rubbings. This integrates art into the children’s nature exploration, further enhancing creativity and fine motor skills.

In both the infant/toddler and early childhood Montessori environment, a nature table enriches the classroom experience and fosters a lifelong love of learning and nature. A carefully prepared table creates an inviting space that provides sensory exploration, independent discovery, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of the fall season.

Learn more about cosmic education and setting up a nature table in the Montessori environment in in NAMC’s Montessori curriculum:
NAMC’s Montessori Infant/Toddler Curriculum
NAMC’s Montessori Early Childhood Curriculum
NAMC’s Montessori Lower Elementary Curriculum
NAMC’s Montessori Upper Elementary Curriculum

Michelle Zanavich — NAMC Tutor & Graduate

As much as possible, NAMC’s web blog reflects the Montessori curriculum as provided in its teacher training programs. We realize and respect that Montessori schools are unique and may vary their schedules and offerings in accordance with the needs of their individual communities. We hope that our readers will find our articles useful and inspiring as a contribution to the global Montessori community.
© North American Montessori Center - originally posted in its entirety at Montessori Teacher Training on Tuesday, September 17, 2024.