There are very few, if any, things that can beat the beauty found in the natural world. Nature in all its forms is inherently beautiful. It's captivating, stunning, charming, and fleeting. All of which makes it perfect for a child. Maria Montessori, herself, often reminded parents and educators about the importance of the natural world for children. She knew that one of the things that children needed the most was to spend time with nature and in nature.
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Bringing some of this nature inside to help make your home beautiful can be a wonderful experience for your children. Not only is flowering arranging a sensory rich experience, it is the kind of practical experience that children love. It is also one that helps to build their sense of pride and worth in the home. They get to take responsibility over the entire process, and know that they helped to make their home beautiful.
"The child should live in an environment of beauty." Maria MontessoriThis past summer, I made a concerted effort to have flower arranging available as much as possible. And it was an amazing experience. From the tulips and daffodils in the early spring, to the sunflowers of late summer, our home was full all spring and summer long. Now that this season is coming to an end, we will all miss our daily dose of flowers. Store bought flowers are expensive and will likely be an occasional treat over the winter.
The book we used to accompany our flowers was Botanicum.
If you want to try flower arranging in your home, here are some things to keep in mind!
- Plant a flower garden and include flowers that bloom throughout the spring and summer. Bonus points if you get your kids involved in gardening! Even weeds can make great flowers for arranging.
- Make sure all the tools are at your children's level -- these include water, scissors, a funnel, and the flowers. Including all the tools on a small tray can make the process much smoother.
- Use real and attractive vases that call to the child and add beauty to your home. Small glass jars, vases, and bottles can be used and found at thrift stores, or craft stores. Some of ours are even old beverage containers.
- Respect where your children choose to place the vase even if it is inconvenient for you. This is their work in the environment.
- Embrace the nature -- the bugs (yes some come inside with the plants), the pollen, the dew! It's all part of the fun that comes with flower arranging. Add a magnifying glass near your flowers for extra learning opportunities.
- Let the flowers die! It's another great learning opportunity and an important reminder to your kids that it's time for fresh flowers. Plus, it becomes a new way to appreciate the beauty and wonder of nature.
- Involve your kids in any clean up -- spilled water, fallen pollen, dead petals, extra leaves. These are all great practical life experiences and a great way to give kids agency in the process.
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