Young children are eager to learn about the world; they soak up information like little sponges. In the Montessori preschool classroom, children discover their relationship to other humans through stories, cultural celebrations, and the enriched cultural curriculum and materials. I so enjoy introducing the beautiful Montessori Sandpaper Globe and Colored Continent Globe to the children, as they are always mesmerized by the beauty of each of the globes as well as what they symbolize.

Montessori Cultural and Geography Studies: The Continents

Earlier in the week my four-year-old Montessori student Jordan asked if he could have a lesson with ‘the Earth,’ and pointed to the Montessori Colored Continent Globe. He carefully carried the globe to a mat and gently placed it right in the middle.

We had a few other children join us; it allowed for a great discussion about the continents, and we reinforced the names of each by singing the Continent Song.

Jordan was very interested in knowing which animals live on each continent, so we placed the world puzzle map beside the globe, along with a basket of animals. One by one, we placed the animals on their respective continent. Jordan made a comment about Australia being surrounded by water on all sides, and was especially interested in knowing how the kangaroos and koalas of Australia would visit the panda bears in China if they aren’t good swimmers … the logic of a four-year-old is priceless!

Bree — NAMC Tutor & Graduate