Imaginary Island Curriculum and Materials Bundle!

The beauty of Montessori lessons can be seen in how seamlessly they build on one another, guiding the child to true comprehension. Though this is generally highlighted in the Montessori math and language curricula, a beautiful sequence can be seen as the child makes their way through the cultural curriculum as well.

Preparation for the Imaginary Island Study begins in the Children’s House. It is here that they are introduced to basic land and water forms, the complexity of which extends as they enter the 6-9 classroom. Investigations of plants and animals, economic interdependence, and the basic components of a civilization all serve to entice and prepare the child for the larger work that will come.

Once they have reached upper elementary, the child combines their previous lessons and exploration into one, culminating project: The Imaginary Island. This integrates the concepts of Dynamic Geography, The Study of a Nation, The Study of Horizontal and Vertical Configurations, Biomes and Ecosystems, and Economic Geography. If desired, this project can also extend to include political geography and the development of a system of government on their island. The end goal is for the child to synthesize all previous lessons while letting their imagination take off!

The scope and sequence of instruction is broken into five units. As the activity begins, a series of lessons are presented that guide the child through the processes of developing their island’s geographical features, map making, understanding climate zones, constructing realistic biomes and corresponding flora and fauna, and finally possible economic development. The process of construction and developing their own island is completed in a series of three tasks.

The supplementary materials included in this bundle align with the five units and guide the child as the prepare to complete the three culminating tasks.