Drop by Drop: First Graders Learn about Water, Sanitation, and Conservation

Publisher： National Council for the Social Studies

ISSN： 1056-0300

Source： Social Studies and the Young Learner, Vol.24, Iss.2, 2011-11, pp. : 9-13

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Abstract

As part of their classroom responsibilities, children at Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School in Savannah, Georgia, wash dishes, care for classroom pets (including rats, fish, snakes, parakeets, finches, bearded dragons, tree frogs, geckos and more!) and tend the raised gardens located behind each classroom cottage. Coastal Empire's mission, “to educate the whole child for the world,” is reflected in the carefully prepared classroom environment and daily learning opportunities designed to instill within students a love for the natural world.² By nurturing a sense of respect and value for self, others, and the world, teachers encourage children to become stewards of their school and home communities. Developing young children's sense of responsibility (understanding that their actions can have important and enduring impacts on others and on the environment) is a core value of Montessori education.