Montessori wrote of providing the child with the tools of observation. I take this literally and have found Caspar intently interested in using binoculars, magnifying glass and microscope all from the age of three.
Other tools of observation? A worm farm is a great tool for observing worms. You can see Caspar preparing the farm here last year. He received the worm farm as a gift as a two year old. What a great gift, he still loves it and he's almost five.
A bit of researching, a bit of drawing. Official notes, measurements and observations have been recorded.
I love that Otis as the younger brother has the opportunity to observe and absorb too.
Keeping the worm farm also serves as a care of environment activity. The worms need moisture, warmth (which is why we are keeping them inside this time) and darkness.
I'm completely in love with Alice Cantrell. Her artwork available on Etsy is whimsical and educational. This print serves as an extension activity, like a spark of inspiration for our thoughts. What really happens underground? I like it a lot.
And just because we like to have fun (and may be a little bit silly) we created a couple of extra large worms for some wormly play.
It's wonderful to see Caspar develop through using the same materials over and over again. Each time we use the worm farm he becomes more independent in setting it up and caring for it. Each time his knowledge increases and his interest increases. I'm sure worms aren't for every child but they have captured this boy's imagination.
