Introducing Botany Concepts: The Montessori Botany Cabinet - Essay Sample

Introduction

The Botany Cabinet was established by Montessori as a learning material that provides young learners with an introduction to botany concepts and language through a scientific lens. The Botany Cabinet is meant to help children develop the capacity to differentiate between objects and shapes of different sizes (Daily Montessori, 2014). Learners start working with the Botany Cabinet aged three years as it is the stage they become conversant with the pincer grip, a key element in the learning process. The learning activity depends on the children's ability to differentiate the different parts of a tree. The purpose of this paper is to provide a detailed discussion of each part of the tree in relation to the child's development stages.

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The roots indicate the practical life in child development. The roots include activities that demonstrate specific desire among children to handle some tasks by themselves. The roots also include particular activities that are familiar and which allow children to acquire skills that enable them to fully participate in the environment around them (Learners Montessori, n.d). Some of the common activities symbolized by the roots include polishing, washing, hanging clothes, table setting, etc. Such activities allow children to achieve independence and enjoy some accomplishments, including the ability to finish a task from the start. Additionally, children achieve self-discipline, self-confidence, and concentration capacity.

The trunk demonstrates sensorial development among children. At this level, children gain knowledge more through their senses as compared to their mental ability. The sensorial tools allow the young learners to improve on all of their senses uniquely, including texture, taste, smell, color, weight, etc. (Chris, 2020). The trunk also allows the children meaning and order to the world, thus improving their perception capacity, favoring observation, and appreciation for everything in their environment.

Thirdly, the branches define language development among young learners. Language development begins with starts with simple sounds and the ability to comprehend that everything has a unique name. It later advances to reading, writing, and communication abilities. The acquisition of language skills arises from the child's ability to connect with every letter and sound rather than reciting the alphabets (Learners Montessori, n.d). At this level, children also learn about history, music, geography, and art as an extension of language activities. Such aspects teach children to love and respect their environments as well as teach them to develop a sense of unity with humanity.

Fourthly, the twigs symbolize the development of mathematic concepts among children. The twigs are the mathematical concepts that young learners should understand when dealing with concrete objects that lead them instinctively to theoretical concepts. The mathematical concepts develop the foundations for geometry and algebra (Learners Montessori, n.d). The Montessori theory holds that children have a liking towards these arithmetic models.

Leaves symbolize the final stage of the learning tree in the Botany Cabinet. The leaves describe the physical understanding of the world. The physical activities help young learners develop and improve on their physical skills as well as strengthening personal coordination, confidence, and independence (Chris, 2020). Some of the physical activities may be borrowed from the practical life (e.g., sweeping). However, the playgrounds offer more physicality due to sporting activities. The level also includes activities that are prepared for children's specific interests. An example of this includes providing science-related concepts and activities to a child who has a high interest in engineering to encourage him/her to pursue the subject.

References

Chris. (2020, April 3). Montessori botany: Trees and leaves. Geodessee. https://www.geodessee.com/montessori-botany-trees-leaves/

Daily Montessori. (2014, June 23). Montessori theory. Montessori Education 0 - 3. https://www.dailymontessori.com/montessori-theory/

Learners Montessori. (n.d.). The learning tree. Learners Montessori nurseries. https://www.learnersmontessori.co.uk/our-approach/learning-tree.html