The Cultural subjects included in the Montessori prepared environment are Science, Geography, History, Music and Art as well as living animals and plants. With creative and thoughtful planning the Montessori teacher effectively broadens a child’s knowledge about the world around him. Interestingly, Maria Montessori believed that the Cultural portion of her program was the one of greatest importance. By understanding culture, Dr. Montessori believed, the child learns about his environment, those around him and how they are interrelated. This cosmic and comprehensive approach to learning facilitates the development of a well-rounded individual, a cultured and whole child.

In Science the child studies Astronomy, Geography, Biology, Zoology and Botany. Since the child comes into contact with plants, flowers and trees just about every day, the Montessori teacher places great emphasis on broadening his knowledge of the plant kingdom. In addition, the child has a natural curiosity and love of animals which allows him to learn names, species, facts as well as a deeper knowledge of the balance of living things around him.

Geography places great emphasis on the continents and a global approach to our environment. Because of a heightened awareness created by the prepared classroom environment the young child is intrinsically motivated to understand the difference between land and sea and how the continents are fundamentally connected by the sea. The child also has a great natural interest in others who are different from himself. He learns much about the lives of others through pictures, the Internet, observation of cultural items and discussions.

The History of the Earth and the way it is utilized is also of interest to the child and is made understandable through timelines as well as clear awareness of the passage of time in the present which is demonstrated with calendars, clocks, and the sequencing of the seasons. The child gains a better sense of time and becomes conscious that History is a recording of time that has already passed.

The musical environment of the Montessori classroom develops potential. During pre-school years, the child inherently enjoys listening to music, moving to music, playing instruments as well as studying musical history. Fingerplays, the sound boxes, the Montessori bells, and walking the line to music are common to the Montessori classroom environment.

Art is an important part of the Montessori classroom. Through art the child gains concrete sensorial impressions which prepare him for the more abstract subject matter at a later time. Art also balances the Montessori classroom as it involves the whole child, including mind, body and spirit.

"Our aim is not only to make the child understand, and still less to force him to memorize, but to touch his imagination as to enthuse his innermost core.  If the idea of the universe is presented to the child in the right way, it will do more for him than just arouse his interest; it will create in him admiration and wonder, a feeling loftier than any interest and more satisfying."

Dr. Maria Montessori