Pine Cone Growth Stages

The best way for children to learn is through hands-on experiences. And that is exactly what this activity offers. As toddlers, the world is so new to them that every little thing is fascinating, especially nature.

I wanted to show my daughter how things grow and evolve in nature and, since she loved picking pine cones, this was the perfect item to illustrate this concept.

I picked up three pine cones at different stages of growth and placed them on a tray with a magnifying glass so we could explore them together at home.

We touched and examined each of the three pine cones and talked about the different stages of growth and how they open up. This was a great activity not only for sensory input but also language development. 

At around 19 months we were observing an explosion of language and so much cognitive development in our little girl! She surprised us everyday with how much she has been able to grasp about the world around her, so slowly I was beginning to create more complex activities to satisfy and nurture that innate curiosity. 

I love how Montessori emphasizes our connection to the natural world, and immersion in nature is the best way to learn. This, as we know, is paramount to the development of the whole child.

“A child, more than anyone else, is a spontaneous observer of nature.” Maria Montessori

Bringing play to life:

• How about presenting your child with their own growth stage, from mum’s pregnancy until today? What differences can they see from each stage?