“It is not enough for the teacher to love the child. She must first love and understand the universe. She must prepare herself, and truly work at it.” Maria Montessori
With Cultural topics, children expand their concept of the world beyond their classroom and home to the universe and beyond: as this area of the Montessori method involves learning about nature (botany, biology & zoology) early science, geography, music, the arts, and historical concepts, as well as global community awareness and sparks the natural inquisitiveness of the child.
Research has found that today’s society has become ‘nature deficit’ (a term by Richard Louvre author of Last Child In The Woods), and the path to health and well – being is through reconnecting with the natural world and thus developing biophilia. The Cultural area ignites the child’s curiosity of the world and beyond, fostering an essential love and respect for nature and creation itself.
Through globes, maps, flags, terminology cards, books, land & water forms, and many other materials, young children can learn to observe, question and analyze.
Through the study of music and the arts, children can develop an early cultural capital and enrich their minds through discovering various arts of the world.
Moreover, the Cultural area fosters and champions diversity and inclusion, as children develop an understanding and empathy towards the many peoples and cultures of the world.
