The Montessori Cultural Activities

Tendencies of Man

The Montessori cultural curriculum centers around the “tendencies of Man” and related cultural aspects. Among many other influences, Dr. Montessori was impressed by the importance of anthropological considerations in childhood developmental research. Just like early man had “tendencies” that enabled their evolution, the young child, being a similar “explorer”, exhibits some of the same tendencies. Exploration, and the ordering of discoveries, is necessary for the evolution of cultures around the world. The geography materials introduce the idea that there are many different environments in the world, each with its own cultures, flora and fauna, topography and conditions. The child learns the Continents, and subsequently countries in the world, and appreciates the diversity of plants and animals, and their requirements for survival. The curriculum stresses the interconnected nature of our Earth, and reinforces appreciation of and respect for all forms of life. The child is helped to classify plants and animals, and is provided with the correct zoological and botanical nomenclature, so that he can organize his thoughts, and communicate ideas in the course of his studies. At CHMH, the child’s geographic explorations are facilitated by our beautiful Continent Rug, which is used regularly to “situate” plants, animals, and habitats to their correct continent or ocean!