I am refreshed, and feel part of the fabric of all that is, and ever was. They enjoy working in the garden or feeding small farm animals. Montessori classes work on small gardens, window boxes, or tubs in which flowers and vegetables can be grown. Likewise, classes have classroom pets and sometimes even share some responsibility for the care of small farm animals, such as ducks, chickens, rabbits. Experiences in the outdoors are equally valuable.
Classes go out for meandering 'nature' walks on a regular basis in every season.
Learning to dress appropriately and clean the mud off one's boots is an important element of practical life. Students are encouraged to learn the names of all the local trees, flowers, birds, and animals that they see. They learn to recognize familiar trees by their leaves, bark, and seeds. By looking at animal tracks, they can determine which animals live in the area. Students collect specimens and bring them back to the classroom for identification, labeling, and display in the nature 'center' or 'museum'.