An original Montessori classroom

Inspiration and a note on security

Dr. Montessori specifically told schools that they should have gardens that children could use freely during the day.

For everyone who has outdoor space (even a balcony), I encourage you to re-create this classic Montessori experience for your child.

Tips:

1. Establish a basic garden with native plants that will grow strongly in your climate.

2. Plant trees for height, bushes for the midrange, and a range of different plants.

3. Use edible plants. Many herbs grow easily.

4. No pesticide or chemical fertilizers may be used. If a plant dies, it dies and goes on the compost pile. It is never worth the toxic exposure to people.

5. Use natural stone on a gravel/CR6 and rock dust base to make a patio. Put crushed stone on the borders to create a tick barrier.

6. Plant a mix of clover, herbs, and flowers instead of grass. In most areas, you can’t sit on a lawn due to tick issues, anyhow. And the pollinators need something to eat as they come to provide you with free science lessons.

Children can help with all stages of the work. This is part of the curriculum, so it is time well spent. From lifting and carrying to digging and planting, children benefit tremendously from garden work.

In our school, each child (ages 3-6) had their own little garden plot. It was a wonderful experience. They would tend their gardens with child-sized tools, watch their food for signs of ripeness, and prepare it together for a meal at the end.

Parents were always stunned when they heard about all the fresh greens their children were eating at school. The children said that their vegetables and fruits tasted better than the food from the store. And they were correct!

Classroom favorites included Meyer lemon, persimmon, fig, kiwi, sage, rosemary, arugula, Egyptian spinach, shiso (deer dislike it), radishes, collards, dandelions, chicory, heirloom corn, heirloom peanuts, tomatoes, squash, a range of mints, wild garlic, wild blackberries and raspberries, and garlic mustard (it’s a delicacy in England, ignore the US myths about it).

Warm weather plants were brought indoors for winter care and eating. A compost pile fermented year-around, providing ongoing work for the class.

Children love making infusions of mint and various herbs. It was a real treat to see 3-year-olds making their own warm cups of mint tea on a crisp autumn afternoon!

Strictly Medicinal is a lovely organic plant and seed store that ships all over the US. Edible Landscaping also has nice plants and trees.

Avoid big box stores due to their use of pesticides and fungicides (you don’t want your child to be part of that next cancer lawsuit in 30 years…pesticides always end up causing cancer).

If you worry about your child’s safety outside, we suggest a wooden fence and a trained German Shepherd, a breed that has a good safety record with children. For years, our school had an attack trained German Shepherd. The dog spent his days sitting with the children in the garden or classroom — one of his doggy skills included soothing crying children. His fur gleamed due to the “brushing the dog” exercise in Practical Life.

One day, a man got onto the school grounds, quickly slinking behind the backs of two adults, and crept onto the playground towards the children. The dog took him down in one long leap, ripping into him until the police arrived. As the police dragged the man away, the dog was mobbed with hugs and kisses from children and teachers.

An attack trained Shepherd is worth its weight in gold. They are far more reliable than a security staff, plus you don’t have to worry about undiscovered criminal backgrounds.

It was unfortunate that our little school paradise had been invaded, but all the children felt safe because they had been kept safe. Prudence and planning saved the day.