Alison Zeglen
Practical Ways to Integrate Outdoor Learning into the Montessori Curriculum
This session offers a practical bridge between the Montessori method and outdoor education. Alison Zeglen shares real-life examples from her classrooms and offers tangible strategies for weaving nature into Montessori environments at school or at home. With a strong grounding in observation, prepared environments, and child-led learning, this talk will help you expand Montessori beyond the classroom walls and into the natural world.
By the end of this session, participants will:
- Learn how outdoor spaces can be prepared with Montessori principles in mind
- Discover ways to use natural materials and seasonal changes as extensions of the curriculum
- Explore how outdoor learning fosters concentration, independence, and deeper connection with the environment
- Get practical ideas for integrating nature into circle time, sensorial work, and practical life activities
- Understand how to support a child’s emotional regulation through outdoor routines and rhythm
AUDIO VERSION
Alison Zeglen
Alison Zeglen has been an Elementary Montessori educator since 2012. She holds a B.S. in Education K-8, Montessori credentials (Elementary I & II) from the Houston Montessori Centre, and an M.Ed. in Montessori Integrated Learning focused on environmental education. Currently pursuing a PhD at Coastal Carolina University in curriculum development with an emphasis on sustainability, she brings over a decade of experience teaching in Montana, the Cayman Islands, and New Zealand. Alison also trains future educators with the Institute of Montessori training, sharing her love of the Montessori Method with her students. When she’s not in the classroom, she enjoys exploring the great outdoors and discovering nature’s wonders.
Discussion
Your questions will be answered after the conference.
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I like how you were suggesting with the five great lessons. Bring it or connected to the outdoor situations as in looking for materials as in say having children really explore the outdoors.
Thank you, Alison it was great seeing the photos and charts for outdoor learning. I agree that outdoors is a learning opportunity not just for play.
Great that you had a Montessori quote, children do need to be outside for their own wellbeing.