Dr. Maria Montessori believed that children should be equipped with knowledge to become fully developed individuals, who are able to adapt to their time, place and culture. She advocated for cultural subjects to be studied in class, to allow children to learn about the world. This included the study of geography, history, music, art, science and more, with a focus on helping students to discover the interrelatedness of all things.  She therefore created broad-based materials that can be incorporated into a curriculum by teachers. The Cultural Studies component of our House on the Hill Montessori curriculum is designed to develop and further enhance the children’s natural curiosity. It helps them to gain an appreciation for nature and discover all things around them. Lessons are built around themes, with a series of learning activities that include as many subjects as possible. In this article, we will share how the botany curriculum was integrated into a thematic lesson, helping to feed the children’s curiosity and wonder about the natural world. The children were learning about the classification of vegetables, and we integrated this into a cultural subject where the children eventually learnt how to make Siguemchi-namul (Korean Spinach Side Dish) by themselves. We hope that seeing how we break a lesson down into different components and themes to aid learning will help parents who want to bring Montessori into their homes. Break down of a lesson The theme was Classification of Vegetables. The children were learning all about leafy vegetables, specifically, spinach! Using the hands-on approach, the children learnt about the parts of the vegetables by preparing the Korean spinach side dish known as siguemchi-namul.  (Our healthier, child-friendly, House on the Hill recipe can be found at the end of this article.) Each child was given a leaf to examine the details. By carefully picking the roots, leaves and stalks off the spinach vegetable, they persevered to fill up the salad bowl with the leafy main ingredients.  At the same time, they were able to examine the detailed parts of the vegetable. This was followed by the introduction of the Montessori’s leaf puzzle to teach and illustrate the different parts of the leaf. The last part of the lesson was to prepare the dish, and enjoy! The children discovered the preparation stages of making a salad, including washing, blanching, dipping, squeezing to drain the water out, as well as chopping. They added the seasonings of garlic, sesame oil and sesame seeds and mixed them all up for their healthy salad. They loved eating this special side dish they made for themselves for lunch! There are many indirect aims that the children can learn through this activity: 1. Language (such as names of the parts of the leaf, the name of the ingredients needed for the dish). 2. Practical Life and Fine Motor Skills (such as picking the roots, leaves and stalks off the spinach, washing the leaves, getting ready the utensils need). 3. Mathematics (such as classification of the parts of the leaf, counting, procedural steps to preparing a dish). 4. Appreciation of Nature (such as admiring the lines on the leaf, the roots). Besides the above mentioned, such as puzzles and matching, botany can also be introduced through:- 1. Books 2. Nature walk 3. Flower arrangement, and dissection 4. Flower and leaves painting and printing 5. Planting. The Cultural Studies curriculum allows children to absorb the environment surrounding them, learning in a systematic and organised way, which helps them to grow in stages from one level of complexity to another. Do consider how you can incorporate this part of Montessori curriculum into your every-day lives! House on the Hill’s child-friendly, healthy Siguemchi-namul (Korean Spinach Side Dish) –  1kg spinach –  3 teaspoon sesame oil –  3 cloves garlic, minced –  Sprinkle of sesame seeds Serves about 4 to 6 pax in a family – Pick the stalks and leaves and place them into the bowl – Wash the spinach, making sure there is no dirt or pest left – Blanch the spinach in boiling water for 45 seconds to 1 min (depending on the size of the leaves and stalks) – requires adult supervision – Take them out and dip the spinach in cold water – Squeeze the water out of the spinach between your palm – Chop the spinach up into bite sized portions – Season the spinach with garlic, sesame oil, and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Enjoy this healthy side dish together!

The popular saying, ‘The family that eats together, stays together’ is advice for the ages. Having meal times together promotes bonding between family members as they catch up on each other’s day and activities. Did you ever eavesdrop on your parents during mealtimes as a child? It is important to note that our children are observing us all the time, even during mealtimes. Do remind the adults to role model appropriate behaviour, whether it is interacting with each other to table manners. Meal times are a wonderful opportunity for children to exercise their independence, whether it’s choosing which dishes they’d like to eat or setting up the table. Other concepts they are able to pick up include subtle observations about their food – the quantity of food they can manage to eat, the feel of the texture of the food in their mouth or even observing their parents’ eating habits! “We must understand that anything which animates the child is a help to his development.”  – Dr. Maria Montessori Introducing a child to eating independently does not only start and end with handing a child a plate/bowl and utensils. It begins with exposing your child to anything pertaining to food, whether it’s going to the supermarket to do your marketing or even food play. Encourage your child to explore real food, preferably dry foods such as rice, potatoes, etc. as these can be washed thoroughly and still be consumed afterwards. This in turn creates a sensory connection between child and food. Other learning outcomes such as fine motor skills development, simple mathematical concepts, etc. can be achieved as well through the exploration. Simple water play using their own bottles can also familiarise children with the act of drinking water. When you’re eating out, further the experience by having your child look through the restaurant’s menu and picking out certain pictures that interest them. This could be an interesting conversation starter! We must help children from the very beginning. We must give them the right environment because they have to adapt themselves to a strange new world.  – Dr. Maria Montessori All this begs the question: So when is my child ready to eat on his/her own? Well, the answer is … whenever you’re ready! Children learn best through exploration, through trial and error, and especially through accidental or impromptu experiences. It is best to start children eating with their hands to continue the food play experience from before. This furthers their connection and relationship with food. Don’t be afraid of the mess made, as cleaning up is also part of the process. Always keep in mind that children learn and progress through a gradual experimentation. Before long, they’ll be eating entirely on their own and having their own opinions in conversations at meal times!

Getting your child involved in dinner preparation can be a fun way for your child to learn at home. From washing, to cutting, to cooking and plating and lastly, setting the table. There are many benefits to this exercise. Cutting vegetables helps promote fine motor skills. Children are introduced to words such as ‘capsicum’, ‘zucchini’ and ‘celery’, a great way to grow language skills – without them realising it’s happening! You can also introduce numeracy concepts like shape, size and weight. Each step taken promotes and develops your child’s thinking skills. This activity also helps children to learn about daily hygiene and healthy food. Most of all, it’s a brilliant way to build confidence and independence at home! Let us walk you through the activity – once you have tried this a few times, we encourage you to think about what other activities can be used in a similar fashion. Dinner Preparation (Vegetables) Materials Needed Ingredients needed for meal A sink or large bowl Chopping board Knife Cutlery for table setting Part One: Washing vegetables For this activity, involve your child in washing vegetables after you bring them home from the market or supermarket. The more vegetables you have, the better. Here’s how to get started: 1. Fill the sink/bowl with clean, cool water for washing your vegetables. 2. Show your child how to wash a vegetable by tipping it into the water and gently rubbing the skin with your hands. 3. Take the vegetable out of the water and dry it. 4. Once your child understands what they’re doing, you can let your child explore. 5. Watch what your child does and introduce words and concepts by talking and asking questions. For example: – Talk about colours. Ask your child to name the colours of the vegetables. – Talk about shape, size, and texture. You can compare things – for example, “Which leaf is bigger?” and “This celery is longer than this carrot”. – Explore floating and sinking, ask your child to guess whether something will float or sink before it goes in the water. – Talk about which parts of the plant the produce comes from. Spinach is a leaf vegetable, radishes and carrots are roots, and tomatoes are fruits (even if they don’t taste sweet!). Part Two: Cutting Vegetables Cutting with a knife is a complex skill; the two hands must do two different things at the same time, and careful movement must accompany concentration during the task. If you are starting this at home with a younger child, consider using a dull knife and a banana as a start. Part Three: Cooking the Vegetables Get a little step stool and allow your child to watch you as you start cooking the vegetables. Invite your child to try, reminding him to only hold/touch the handle of the pan as the other parts will be very hot. Part Four: Set the Table Table setting plays an important part to further develop your child’s independence and self-esteem, strengthening their sense of belonging.  Learn more about table setting for young children here . Finally, enjoy!

On hot days there is nothing more refreshing than a popsicle. Making them at home is a great way to include your child in the kitchen and to make sure the popsicles are healthy and low in processed sugars! Here, we’ve collected two easy recipes that your child can help prepare!  First, check that you have all your materials. If you don’t have popsicle molds, no problem, you can use recycled yogurt cups, a muffin tin, or even an ice cube tray for mini pops! You’ll also need some popsicle sticks, a blender, and a freezer.  Watermelon + Strawberry + Lime  Ingredients  3 or 4 cups of cubed watermelon  1 cup strawberries Juice of 1 lime  First cut the watermelon into large pieces, and then show your child how to use a butter knife to cut it into cubes and measure 3 to 4 cups.  Your child can wash the strawberries and use the same knife to remove the leaves (for a fun new skill you could also try this strawberry hulling tool)  Using a juicer or just by squeezing help guide your child to juice 1 lime.  Add all the ingredients to a blender and puree until it is smooth.  Your child can pour the mixture into the molds  Place foil or plastic wrap over the filled molds. Poke a small hole above each popsicle and let your child place the stick into the popsicle.  Freeze overnight!  Berry + Secret Spinach  Ingredients  3 cups of mixed berries (frozen or fresh)  1 cup (or more!) of spinach 1 cup of orange juice 1 cup of water  Help your child wash the spinach and berries, if they are fresh  Help your child measure the ingredients and blend together until smooth (the spinach blends in perfectly and the taste is hidden by the berries, giving you an extra dose of veggies!)  Your child can pour the mixture into the molds  Place foil or plastic wrap over the filled molds. Poke a small hole above each popsicle and let your child place the stick into the popsicle.  Freeze overnight! 

Two areas we take very seriously at House on the Hill are Montessori and nutritious food, so any time we can combine them and share with parents we are pretty excited!  Having healthy snacks available for children builds healthy eating habits from a young age, and having children help you prepare the snacks is at home Practical Life work! These snacks are great for after school, or even as an activity to do during a playdate.  Ideas to build your snack platter and how little hands can help:  Hard Boiled Eggs: Once the eggs are boiled and cooled, children can crack them and peel off the shells practicing those fine motor skills. Using a knife and plate, they can slice the eggs in half.  Bananas and Cucumbers: All ages can enjoy chopping up their banana or cucumber into bite size pieces. Dressed-up Apple Slices: Spreading apple slices with peanut butter (or another spread) and sprinkling the top with cinnamon makes for a special treat! Homemade Kale Chips: Children can help wash, dry and then tear the kale leaves into bite size pieces. They can use their hands or utensils to toss the kale in a bowl with a small amount of oil and salt (both optional) and then spread on a baking sheet and bake until crispy.  Flavored water: Children can help fill a jug or pitcher with water and add cut strawberries, lime, mint leaves, cucumber, or berries for infused flavor. They’ll have fun with different flavor combinations! 

We are always excited to introduce ways to bring Montessori principles into your home and further the skills your child is learning in school. We are also a bit hungry after talking so much about our healthy and delicious menu! This month we encourage you to step into the kitchen with your children and test out this friendly-for-all ages and delicious 2 ingredient “cookie”! (They’re dairy free, gluten free and vegetarian). 2-ingredient Banana Oat “Cookies” Ingredients 2 ripe bananas, One cup of oats (quick-cook or regular) Optional Add-ins: Cinnamon, chopped walnuts, few dark chocolate chips, raisins, or whatever else you want to try! How to:  1. Peel two ripe bananas and place them in a medium-sized bowl. 2. Using a fork mash the bananas until they are soft and no big chunks remain. 3. Pour in one cup of oats and mix. 4. Add any mix-ins now if you want! 5. Use a spoon to place approximately 10 cookies on a greased or parchment paper lined cookie sheet. 6. Bake for 15 minutes at 175 degrees Celsius. Montessori tips: Your child is the chef today and you are there to help guide your child through the steps. Begin with a prepared environment and make sure the materials are all ready:  ingredients, bowl, fork and cookie sheet. Let your child do the peeling, mashing, stirring, and dolloping onto the cookie sheet. Focus on just one step at a time, and if your child does not know how, begin by doing the action slowly and quietly and letting them observe, and then give them the opportunity to do it on their own. You can work the oven and then enjoy the finished product together! And remember, they can help clean the bowls when you are all finished! Subscribe to our mailing list! Don’t miss out on House on the Hill Montessori Updates and Tips!