Visioning is a task that helps children develop their understanding of the universe based on their experiences at home and school. As a child progresses from birth through the end of their elementary school years, their understanding of the cosmos grows.
Helping children understand the interconnectedness of all things in the universe is the primary goal of visioning. This article explores the different ways visioning can foster children’s cosmic awareness.
Cosmic Education: The Montessori Method
Montessori defines cosmic education as a “unifying global and universal view[s] of the past, present, and future.” Cosmic education refers to how children gradually uncover the universe’s order and the interdependence of the solar system’s elements, animals, plants, the Earth, and humankind.
Today’s children live in the information age, and cosmic education helps children make sense of the world around them by bringing order to the overwhelming amount of information they encounter daily. The goal is to present the universe to the child in the right way to maximize their ability to find their role within the world while developing their admiration and wonder.
Through cosmic education, children learn that they have an important role in the universe’s story. It also helps children learn to appreciate other people’s worldviews. Children develop an understanding of how they can contribute to the order and balance of the cosmos and how they can make the world a better place.
Painting the Ceiling
Visioning doesn’t just help children develop their abstract understanding of the universe, it also serves to ground them in the world around them. One way to bring the universe home is by painting your child’s ceiling with images of the galaxy, solar system, moon, sky, stars, and moon.
Parents can paint or use stickers to decorate their child’s ceiling as soon as the child is old enough to recognize images. When the lights are off, these images will light up the child’s room like the night sky, allowing them to envision the universe and learn about astronomy in a stimulating way.
Go Star Gazing
Taking children out to explore nature is an excellent way to help children develop their understanding of the universe’s interconnectedness. Stargazing lets children use the oldest method for observing celestial bodies to understand the cosmos.
Children should have an opportunity to observe extraordinary cosmic events such as meteor showers and lunar eclipses. Visioning the universe will allow them to learn to identify various planets and when they’re most visible in the night sky.
Final Thoughts
Helping children develop their understanding of the universe is visioning’s primary goal. Through various activities, young children learn about the interconnectedness of everything in their world. This knowledge allows children to develop an appreciation for their role in the universe and how they can contribute to improving the world around them.
At Austin Children’s Academy, we can help children visualize and develop their understanding. Schedule a virtual tour with us today.
