The zoology cabinet refers to the Montessori zoology materials, usually stored together. They include animal puzzles, parts-of-animal cards and classification work that introduce young children to the animal kingdom.
The Materials
- Animal puzzles. Wooden puzzles of animals from the main vertebrate groups, such as a fish, frog, turtle, bird and horse. Each piece is one body part.
- Parts-of-animal cards. Three-part cards that name each part, matched to the puzzle.
- Living and nonliving. Sorting objects and pictures into two groups.
- Vertebrate and invertebrate. Sorting animals, then the five vertebrate classes.
- Real animals. Classroom pets, a fish tank, outdoor observation.
The Sequence
Children start with real animals and with naming. They move on to the parts of each animal, then to sorting and classification. Vocabulary is taught with a three-period lesson. Zoology is part of the cultural area.
At Home
A few realistic animal figures with matching photo cards, a library book on one animal group and regular time outside are enough to start. Watching a bird feeder or an ant trail is zoology too.
Common Misunderstandings
- “It’s memorizing names.” Names come from observation and handling, and children usually ask for them.
- “Fantasy animals are fine.” Montessori favors realistic images and figures at this age, so children learn about the real world first.
Questions Parents Ask
What age are Montessori animal puzzles for?
Usually from about 3, once a child can handle small knobs and name common animals.
What comes after the animal puzzles?
Classification work, first vertebrates and invertebrates, then the five vertebrate classes, and later in the elementary years the study of each group.
Sources
- Montessori, M. The Absorbent Mind (1949).
- Montessori, M. The Discovery of the Child (1948).