January marks the beginning of a new year and colder temperatures. The outdoor classroom encourages the use of the whole body by offering a place to play and exercise. Being outside encourages curiosity and imagination. After hour and hours of engaging with children, Maria Montessori observed: “The best way of invigorating a child is to immerse him in nature”- it’s good for the mind, soul and body. This month we added a sensory pathway. It is a path that is colorful, creative and playful way for the kids to build connections that are responsible for sight, touch and sound. It gives the kids a chance to hop, stomp, march and tiptoe that help develop motor skills, including balance, hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness. As the kids follow the path and complete the movements, they work off excess energy. We added the planets and continents to help the recognize and name them. Walking on cups has been a fun activity the kids have enjoyed this month as well as imaginative play in the mud kitchen.