From a Montessori mindset, nature exposure plays a crucial role human development. Through nature we engage in Sensory Exploration. Nature provides a rich sensory environment where children can touch, see, hear, smell, and sometimes taste the world around them. Children can feel the roughness of bark, see the colors of flowers, hear birds singing, and smell fresh grass. his kind of hands-on exploration stimulates cognitive development, helping children make connections between different stimuli and their meanings. Nature allows for fantastic Physical Development. Outdoor play helps kids develop gross motor skills, balance, and coordination. Running, climbing, and exploring natural terrains provide opportunities for physical exercise, contributing to overall health. Exposure is also the greatest way to gain Appreciation for Nature’s Beauty. Time spent in nature fosters environmental awareness and understanding of the beauty that is all around us. When children see, touch, and smell, with plants and animals, they develop a sense of their place in nature. This helps them grow into conscientious global citizens who care about preserving the environment and understanding its complex relationships. Dr. Montessori recognized the importance of a balanced emotional state, and spending time outdoors nature is a well documented to produce Calming Effects and reduces stress and anxiety in adults and children. Finally, we live in a pretty urban environment and we love it. It offers us so much culture, activities, people, and playgrounds. It’s great, but there is so much to be said for the quiet, Freedom to explore and the ability for even toddlers to go a little bit beyond arms reach where they can engage in some risky (but reasonable) play without me hovering and worrying about people, dogs, cars, trollies, Blaise eating trash (anyone else?) and all that other typical city stuff.