Montessori Environmental Living Programs Explained: Stewardship and Cosmic Education

It [Education] is not acquired by listening to words, but in virtue of experiences in which the child acts on his environment. ~ Maria Montessori, The Absorbent Mind

Dr. Montessori understood that learning is always more meaningful when a personal connection is made between a new concept and life experience. When a student is able to make real life connections, his interest and willingness to learn more and accept new challenges increases. His learning opportunity is further aided when he sees materials and concepts in new and diverse situations.

In the Montessori environment, the concept of “going-out” is related to the acquisition of culture. Montessori was a firm believer in the need for elementary-aged students to benefit from the firsthand experience of outside activities involving society, culture, and the natural world. Dr. Montessori stated that “The senses, being explorers of the world, open the way to knowledge.” By providing opportunities that engage the student in a holistic manner, we are enabling an immersion of lasting sensory experiences. Environmental living programs are an amazing combination of going out, Cosmic Education, Montessori and stewardship values.