Are you ready for meaningful learning, play, and exploration outdoors?
Let’s dive into what makes a great accessible and organized outdoor or nature-focused indoor space and start cultivating!
No matter where you live, how much yard space you have, or your climate, you can take steps to bring your child closer to nature.
Do you dream of an herb garden in your windowsill? Ever wanted to plant your own vegetables? Does your child like to splash in puddles, dig in the dirt, crinkle leaves, or gather sticks?
Did you know that there are real Montessori lessons that go with these activities?!
Well we know them, and we can teach you so that you can teach your child while the two of you are exploring nature together.
Maria Montessori implored us to "place the soul of the child in contact with creation." There is no better place to begin than with the great outdoor world. Pots and Pansies is perfect for families with children ages 0 to 5.
Learn How To...
- Prepare your outdoor spaces for nature play
- Create a garden area of your child’s own
- Select the best nature activities for your child’s age
- Engage your child’s imagination with the Montessori storytelling technique
If you're ready to start planning for your child's outdoor and indoor nature adventures, let's get to work! We have two weeks of interactive group coaching video lessons, resources, and discussions.
Plus, you’ll get a bonus two weeks of active support from Aubrey and Nicole. At the end of the course, you'll have your own community of like-minded parents to help support you and your child.
Here's Everything You Need To Know
WHEN: Course begins April 20, 2020COST: PAY WHAT YOU CAN - Normally this course is $55 USD. For this section only, we are offering a pay what you can fee structure in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please pay what you can afford during this difficult time.
WHO: This course is for parents and caregivers of children between ages 0 and 5
WHERE: The content and community will take place entirely inside a private Facebook group
Mark your calendar and join us for a gardening adventure.
Join Us If…
- you have (or will have) a child 0-5 years old
- you’re considering creating a child-friendly indoor or outdoor garden
- playful, nature-based activities make your heart sing
How It Works
When you enroll in the course, you will be directed to join a private Facebook group. This will be our online classroom. You'll download your Weekly Guide to start your work.
Aubrey and Nicole will go "Live" on video twice. On Tuesdays, we'll introduce the weekly topic and give you concrete information about gardening and cultivating outdoor and indoor spaces with children at home.
We will also devote time in the Live video for a Q&A. We want to provide real-time support based on your own needs.
Our course is designed to work well in any time zone. If you miss the Live videos, you'll be able to watch the recordings at your leisure. Throughout the course, you'll check into the group forum to see inspiring quotes, read interesting articles, and participate in thoughtful discussion questions about the week's topics.
The Course Schedule
Week 1: Outdoor Spaces
During this week, we will be talking about your outdoor garden spaces and your approach to learning about nature with your children.
Week 2: Activities
This week we will be highlighting activities that engage the senses and inspire your child to ask deeper questions about your local ecosystem.
Week 3 & 4: Open Discussion
But wait, we’re not done, yet! During these two weeks, the group will be opened for anyone to post. You will use these two weeks to finish assignments, review course content, ask each other questions, and discuss your challenges and successes. Nicole and Aubrey will be available to offer support. Videos and course discussions will remain available in the group for you to review anytime.
What They’re Saying
“As a relatively new Montessorian and mom of two toddlers, I found the class to be very beneficial in helping me to create an outdoor prepared environment that inspires and entices children into developmentally appropriate educational play as well as an overall nature connection. This course gives you the tools needed to engage with one of our children’s most important and sometimes overlooked learning environments: the natural world. It is a great way to augment the knowledge and understanding provided in the Cultivating Spaces for Children course.” — Kristin, homeschooling mom of two
“Pots & Pansies was such a valuable course for me. Aubrey and Nicole helped me to set realistic and attainable goals with a Montessori mindset for outdoor exploration. I can’t wait for gardening season to be upon us soon!” — Valerie, mom of a toddler and a baby
Why We Created This Course
We are both passionate about child development and Montessori-inspired living, but more importantly, we are parents of our own delightful, independent, messy, and inquisitive children! For many years, we've been on the receiving end of kind words and solid advice, and we look forward passing on our knowledge, experience, and support to you.
Meet Nicole
Hello, I'm Nicole! I write here on The Kavanaugh Report sharing how my family incorporates Montessori into our daily lives and sharing resources for Montessori parents. I also have the joy of sharing Montessori directly with parents through online classes. Most importantly, I'm a Montessori parent to four fantastic children.
Being outdoors throughout the year is an important part of who we are as a family. Whether it's out in the garden, bird watching, or going on a hike, we are always looking for opportunities to get outside. This includes creating a space that makes independent play and work a reality. I hope through this class to open up these opportunities for you and your children.
Hi! I’m Aubrey. My best memories of childhood all involve nature. Staring up at a big blue sky with puffy clouds while laying down on green grass, feeling the sun’s warmth…tending the little purple weeds that grew in our front yard.
Even outside of my own home, walking in local parks with my parents and pausing to admire the texture of a particular tree bark or finding a worm in a concrete puddle to “help” by gently placing it on a green surface instead.
As a mom of two, I believe that cultivating a healthy respect and admiration for nature is one of the best things we can impart to our children, and that it is imperative that these explorations happen during early childhood.
As a certified Montessori teacher, I am thrilled to share with you the tried-and-true teaching techniques that we use in the classroom to teach children about botany. They are special lessons indeed and perfectly suited to use at home as well!
Being outdoors throughout the year is an important part of who we are as a family. Whether it's out in the garden, bird watching, or going on a hike, we are always looking for opportunities to get outside. This includes creating a space that makes independent play and work a reality. I hope through this class to open up these opportunities for you and your children.
Meet Aubrey
Even outside of my own home, walking in local parks with my parents and pausing to admire the texture of a particular tree bark or finding a worm in a concrete puddle to “help” by gently placing it on a green surface instead.
As a mom of two, I believe that cultivating a healthy respect and admiration for nature is one of the best things we can impart to our children, and that it is imperative that these explorations happen during early childhood.
As a certified Montessori teacher, I am thrilled to share with you the tried-and-true teaching techniques that we use in the classroom to teach children about botany. They are special lessons indeed and perfectly suited to use at home as well!
