Dear Cascadia parent, 

Cosmic Education is my plan for Elementary children. Read more about it on the Montessori Cosmos blog here. It encompasses science, history, language, math, music, art, practical life, and physical education. One of the main tenets of Cosmic Education is to present concrete experiences before abstract ones. In math, that means that children get to work with Montessori materials (the checkerboard and bead cabinet, to name a few) to experience what it actually means to add, divide, or square a number before they are expected to learn the abstract algorithms or memorize math facts.

This applies to the natural world as well. What better way to begin to see the intricacies of nature than to go and see it for yourself? “There is no description, no image in any book that is capable of replacing the sight of real trees, and all the life to be found around them, in a real forest” (This quote is from my book From Childhood to Adolescence, based off my 1939 lecture in London). 

There are so many things to study in the Northwest, from volcanoes and glacial formations to fascinating plants and animals, to the history and effects of human life in the area. Elementary children always want to know the “why” of things, and so going on Science camps and activities led by specialists is a great way for them to satiate their inquisitive minds, at least for a while!

In addition, school trips provide an opportunity for children to grow in independence as they experience life outside the school and family. In preparation for Going Out or a whole class trip, children will learn and practice many “practical life” activities - packing, keeping track of their own things, planning ahead, interacting with strangers, figuring out how to use their bodies in different places. All of these activities help children become more independent, confident and competent in caring for themselves as they grow older. 

Your Friend, 

Maria