Animal and Nature Enrichment

Care of the environment, including care of plants and animals, is part of the practical life curriculum and an important part of Montessori education. Care of pets can be a perfect way for young children to develop a number of skills along with many positive character traits. Having animals to care for helps teach responsibility, compassion, empathy, and an understanding and respect for all living things.

Students in a Montessori Children’s House and School classroom have the opportunity to care for different animal friends. Each classroom has an opportunity to be involved in an aspect of care for our environment, including plants and animals.

“When children come into contact with nature, they reveal their strength.”

—Dr. Maria Montessori

The MCHS Butterfly Gardens

During the fall of 2019, Montessori Children’s House and School earned the prized distinction as a Certified Butterfly Habitat from Texas Discovery Gardens. This means the MCHS Butterfly Gardens contain the right balance of plants, attracting a variety of butterfly species that not only support and sustain butterflies as pollinators, but also provide a caterpillar a place to eat well, form into a chrysalis and transform.

As a part of the primary Montessori curriculum, children become aware of a number of natural life cycles, including the life of a butterfly. The MCHS Butterfly Gardens provide our children the hands-on experience to see this spectacular, natural wonder

We are proud to join in the efforts of other local certified butterfly habitats, all of which are working towards protecting and sustaining these tiny but mighty pollinators.