What is recommended for plants in a Montessori classroom?

In a Montessori classroom, the emphasis on hands-on learning and connection to nature makes the recommendation for each child to have one plant to tend and cultivate particularly beneficial. This approach supports the Montessori philosophy of fostering a sense of responsibility and care for living things. When children are given the opportunity to care for a plant, they learn about the responsibilities that come with nurturing another living being, including the daily tasks of watering, monitoring growth, and understanding what plants need to thrive.

This experience also enhances their observational skills as they witness the plant’s development over time, leading to discussions about biology, ecology, and even the life cycle. The tactile experience of working with soil and plants further enriches their sensory exploration, encouraging a connection with nature. Thus, providing each child with a plant aligns with the Montessori goal of fostering independence, responsibility, and a respect for the environment.

In contrast, having a few decorative plants does not facilitate the same level of engagement or learning. Excluding plants for safety reasons undermines the educational opportunity that caring for living organisms presents. Finally, artificial plants do not provide the same hands-on, nurturing experience nor do they contribute to the lessons one can learn from real-life plant care.