At The Clover School, nature is not just a backdrop for learning — it’s a teacher in its own right. From tending to gardens to learning through outdoor exploration, we see every day how children grow when they are connected to the natural world.
This deep relationship with the Earth is not unique to Montessori philosophy. It is a central teaching in many Indigenous cultures across North America, where the land is seen not as a commodity, but as a relative. This National Indigenous History Month, we have been reflecting on how Indigenous perspectives on nature and stewardship can enrich the way we teach and learn at The Clover School — not just in June, but all year long.
The Land As The Teacher
Indigenous knowledge is rooted in reciprocity, respect, and responsibility for the land. For generations, Indigenous communities have understood that the Earth offers guidance — not just through resources, but through observation, experience, and relationship.
Rather than seeking to dominate or extract from nature, Indigenous teachings encourage us to listen, to care for the land, and to recognize its interconnectedness with all living things. This resonates deeply with the Montessori principle of cosmic education — the idea that children, even at a young age, can begin to understand their role within a larger ecological system.
At The Clover School, when children observe the life cycle of a plant, care for classroom animals, or track the phases of the moon, they are engaging with this idea: that everything is connected, and that we are part of — not separate from — the natural world.
Environmental Teachings in Practice
The Seven Generations Principle is the idea that the choices we make today should benefit those seven generations into the future which encourages long-term thinking, sustainability, and care of the environment.
Here’s how we are gently introducing some of these teachings into age-appropriate conversations and experiences at The Clover School:
- Land-based learning: Whether through nature walks, outdoor classrooms, or gardening, we encourage students to learn from their surroundings in real time.
- Eco-stewardship: Students take part in composting, reducing waste, and reusing materials — learning that caring for the Earth is a daily, mindful practice.
- Storytelling and reflection: We share books by Indigenous authors and welcome the teachings of community partners that highlight the relationship between people and the Earth, encouraging students to reflect on what it means to “walk gently” on the land.
Montessori education teaches us to slow down, observe carefully, and follow the child. As we continue to grow our environmental education at The Clover School, we are grateful for the wisdom of Indigenous communities who have stewarded this land for generations.
Learning from the land is more than a curriculum — it’s a way of being. And through it, we hope to raise a generation of young people who understand that caring for the Earth is not just science — it is a relationship.
Below we've linked resources to deepen understanding, take action, and explore Indigenous environmental knowledge further:
The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund
A Canadian organization dedicated to reconciliation through education and awareness.
An interactive map that helps users identify the Indigenous territories, languages, and treaties associated with their location.
Native Northwest - Children's Books
A website promoting Indigenous arts and cultures, designed by Indigenous artists.
Indigenous-led organization focused on climate justice and environmental protection through Indigenous knowledge systems.
