Chickens are one way Montessori Erdkinder develops the hands, body and mind. Learning what chickens eat, what they need to lay eggs and what chickens need for a healthy environment creates a stronger mind and body in the child. It’s simply amazing to witness.
We’ve had our chickens for a few years now and they’ve brought a special something to our farm and the kid’s homeschool or Erdkinder. They have provided hands on learning opportunities that truly reach the hands, body and mind. There is something spiritual about walking into a coop and removing freshly laid eggs, still warm. This is life. The messy, in stereo, sight, sounds and scents of real life.
I have came to understand why Maria Montessori believed children should go to Erdkinder.
The hens, or girls, will be cluckin’ away and you’ll hear a call or two from one of the roosters. You may suddenly hear the louder ‘baa-kock!’
which is one of the hens laying her egg, which always make me think of a woman giving birth and those last few moments when the room suddenly has a surge of energy as the baby begins to crown. You hear the scratch, scratch as they stir up their bedding looking for wee bugs to snack on and you hear the ruffling of feathers as someone settles down or gets up.
As I’ve watched the chickens settle down to lay or hearing a rooster calls his harem over for a juicy worm or bug he’s found for them I have came to understand why Maria Montessori believed children should go to Erdkinder. A set of puzzles or 3part cards is as abstract as they come. You’re dealing with paper or wood for a living things. It’s almost backwards. Sure, you can learn body locations and that they need food, water, etc. But all those years leading up to Erdkinder are prep work…not the real thing.
I can only encourage you to continue following your child. This doesn’t mean you need a certain color or even certain materials…it means following your child. See what your child needs and providing it. Making sure they can access it in some way. But make an effort to follow your child as they grow up. You’ll find Montessori’s recommendation to “follow the child” isn’t just for children. It’s also for preteens and teens.
Follow the child, see where they go and what they grow up to be.
I have been researching of late for any homeschoolers in this age group, as I have some that are not too far off! Besides having chickens, what do you do [on a daily basis] to follow through with Montessori in the older ages. I have researched this age group in Montessori schools, but some of what they are able to do as a classroom with many in that age range may not be as easy at home, when I will only have one or two in the range needed for learning at one particular time. I would greatly appreciate any advice you can give!!!
Hey Honey,
Great post.
We have had chickens for 5 weeks now .
I am all into the idea of Erdkinder.
For the person who asked for more info re Erdkinder,
here is an article Montessori wrote on the subject
http://archive.org/details/TheErdkinderAndTheFunctionsOfTheUniversity
I’d love to fine out more about this Erdkinder idea – I think it may be just the thing for my oldest. For years I’ve been at a loss to define any of his ambitions, goals or event interests or hobbies. He just didn’t seem to be interested in ANYTHING. But since we gave in to his desire for rural pursuits, chickens were kind of a “gateway drug” that led us to goats, the pigs he begged for and any number of other animals on the horizon. It’s like he NEEDS these things around him to concentrate in school. His grades have been on a steady increase now that he has animals to tend to and observe and link his studies too. He truly loves husbandry and I would have never discovered this had it not been a part of his education-scape
Following the child is ALWAYS the way to go if you ask me. When we get out of their way and provide supportive guidance they THRIVE!!! 🙂
I’ll be sharing more about our Erdkinder experience and you should also check out Trish at http://liveandlearnfarm.com . She is also an Erdkinder momma!
~Honey
Very inspiring! The kids have been taking about pigs and chickens for a while now. We live in the city, I have to figure out all the details to pull this off. It is great to know that this it is worth it.
Thank you for sharing.
Cool! Glad to see somebody else on this path too! There are not many of us doing Montessori Middle School in the homeschool environment!
It’s so very worth it and very empowering. I love too how it enables us to support our ‘living local’ values too! 😉 ~Honey
This is a great intro! Much needed for parents of older children! I shared and pinned it!