“We shall walk together on this path of life, for all things are part of the universe and are connected with each other to form one whole unity.” — Maria Montessori

Long ago, Dr. Maria Montessori recognized the importance of instilling in children an understanding that nothing exists unto itself, and that everything, no matter how small, is a puzzle-part of the whole. She counseled us to appreciate the tightly knit relationship of creatures and to be aware of the delicate balance between Earth and the life forms it supports.

The relevance of Montessori’s insights to our twenty-first century environmental concerns is clear. From the design of our earth-friendly building to our respect for the interdependence of all life forms, the Stoneridge community embraces Montessori’s reverence for the natural world and takes seriously the lifelong work of creating a sustainable future.

Our curriculum offers a series of experiences that open children’s minds and spirits to their role as stewards of the earth. Students develop a deep appreciation for the special place we inhabit in the universe and discover how our individual and species behavior affects the environment. They learn from this curriculum the appropriate behaviors to mitigate any further damage to the planet we call home.

At Stoneridge, earth education encompasses the study of creation, earth and its place in the universe, natural forces, the interdependence of life forms, the impact of humans on the environment, and the future of our planet. In keeping with Montessori principles, our curriculum engages children in ways that are appropriate to their cognitive, physical, emotional, and social development.

Toddler House and Children’s House
In Toddler House, awareness of and interaction with the environment advances naturally along with language, eye-hand coordination, and practical life skills. At this young age, experience with the natural world is grounded in exploration with the senses.

Children’s House students experience earth education through reality and concrete exploration. Children use beautifully crafted classroom materials that reflect the abundance and diversity of the earth. In practical life, they learn to clean, maintain, and restore their environment. Students are introduced to geography with an emphasis on the interactions of land, water, and air. Lessons incorporate the experiences of indigenous peoples.

Elementary

How did the universe come into being? Who and what am I? What is the cosmic task of our species? Elementary-age students are introduced to Creation Myths and other stories of the origins of life, the Timeline of Life, and to the reality that some life forms have already become extinct. We discuss the systems that help the earth to regulate itself by not allowing any one system to create an imbalance.

From the Timeline of Humans, older elementary students learn the implications of their ancestors’ transition from living in harmony with the earth to establishing dominion over it. They continue to study and learn from the practices of indigenous people and address challenging questions about the origin of the universe and their role as keepers of the planet.

Middle School
The adolescent’s heightened interest in the true nature of self and society creates opportunities for practical and theoretical engagement with earth education. From discussing the ethical aspects of genetic engineering to calculating the carbon footprint of a planned class trip to Mexico to participating in sustainable agriculture practices during an annual Farm School stay, Middle Schoolers learn to think critically about their own and their species’ impact on the environment. As school leaders and role models in initiatives such as composting, reducing energy consumption, and recycling, our oldest students take the first steps in using their growing knowledge and awareness to create a sustainable future for their own and future generations.