March 2025: The children helped collect sap from the sugar maple trees on our Primary campus to make maple syrup. Each year at least one of our classes participates in the process. This year, the children from the Bluebird class collected the sap in buckets and watched the sap boil down. After the hard work, the Bluebird class enjoyed a pancake breakfast with the fresh maple syrup they made!
Montessori observed that children want big, meaningful tasks that help them engage in their culture and community. Carrying large buckets certainly is big work! And being trusted with the tools and appliances is very engaging for young children.
Activities like collecting sap to boil help bring meaningful work to the outside environment, and connect the children to the natural world and the changes of the seasons. Food is a wonderful way to engage young children and support concentration because of the sensory experiences involved in food preparation. The Bluebird class expressed excitement as they felt the heaviness of the sap, smelled the boiling sap, smelled the cooking pancakes, felt the warmth of the food, and finally tasted their treat. Additionally, through their efforts, the children felt immense pride when they accomplished their goal!