Product Description

This 215-page manual gives elementary educators everything they need to guide children aged 6–9 through a rich, hands-on study of the plant world. Authored by Dr. Pamela Zell Rigg and Linda Aaquist — both AMS-credentialed Montessori teacher educators — it draws on decades of classroom experience to deliver scientifically accurate, beautifully structured lessons.

Opening with Dr. Montessori's Second Great Lesson, The Coming of Life, the manual traces a natural arc: from living vs. nonliving classification, through the Five Kingdoms, into deep morphological study of the plant — its roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds. Each chapter is structured to engage the child's natural impulse to classify and organize the world.

The manual is designed to work hand-in-hand with the Botany Elementary Nomenclature Set (849 three-part cards), guiding teachers through simple nomenclature, classified nomenclature, booklet-making, charting, and live specimen observation — providing both structure and flexibility for the Montessori environment.

What's Included

The Plant - Parts of the whole

Root - Parts / Types / Shapes

Stem - Parts / Types / Lengths

Leaf - Parts / Venation / Margins / Blades / Arrangements

Flower - Parts / Stamen / Pistil / Symmetry / Sepals

Fruit & Seed - Fruit types / Seed parts / Germination

Understanding of plant evolution from the Story of Plants

Designed to Work Together

This manual complements the Botany Elementary Nomenclature Set, featuring 849 three-part cards that correspond directly to the lessons in Chapter 5. Together, they support three-period lessons, classification work, research, and independent exploration, creating a complete Montessori botany program for the elementary years.

What’s included?

849 three-part cards
46 botany nomenclature categories
48 card trays for organization and display
Includes picture cards, label cards, and definition cards
Supports classification, vocabulary development, and independent research

Content at a Glance

Chapter 1
Plant Growth & Care
Preservation, propagation, horticulture, plant care schedules, classroom plant lists
Chapter 2
The Second Great Lesson
The Story of the Coming of Life — narrative scripts and presentation guidance
Chapter 3
Classification of Plants
Living vs. nonliving, the Domains, Five Kingdoms, plant vs. animal concept development
Chapter 4
The Story of Plants
Evolutionary narrative linking plant life to the child’s cosmic understanding
Chapter 5
Botany Nomenclature
Complete presentations for all plant parts: root, stem, leaf, flower, fruit, seed — with definitions
Chapter 6
Analysis of a Plant
Guided specimen analysis for root, stem, leaf, flower, and fruit — connecting nomenclature to real plants
Chapter 7
First Knowledge of the Plant Kingdom
Pictures and stories, research questions, plants from the continents, taxonomy classification

Great ResourceProduct: Sensorial Teaching Manual – Early Childhood

I am so happy with this manual. It provides al the basic sensorial presentation and many extension options. The layout is so easy to understand and follow. Great resource for classroom and homeschool environment.

Melissa Garcia

Wonderful MaterialsProduct: Constant Blend Pictures

This work, as well as anything I have purchased from Montessori RD, is lovely! The materials are well made and sturdy. I can’t wait to use these in my classroom! I also have to mention that they have outstanding customer service.

Susie

Wonderfully Comprehensive ManualProduct: Fractions Teaching Manual Vol 2 – Elementary II

Wonderfully comprehensive manual with easy-to-follow lessons that give me confidence before presenting new material.

Jenn

Renewed InterestProduct: Volcano Parts, Elementary

My students have a renewed interest in volcanoes with several going on now, in particular the one in Iceland. After researching some information on the volcano, they were eager to refresh their knowledge and go busy with these cards, The ended up creating an atlas of active volcanoes. It was great to see them utilize the materials this way. Great product. Thank you!

Erica Oberlin

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Product Description

What's Included

Look Inside

Designed to Work Together

What’s included?

Available in digital subscription

Buy Complete Set:

Content at a Glance

Plant Growth & Care

The Second Great Lesson

Classification of Plants

The Story of Plants

Botany Nomenclature

Analysis of a Plant

First Knowledge of the Plant Kingdom

Frequently Asked Questions