Montessori Chapters: Reality Based Greetings Cards

British Butterflies Card by Sarah Frances

I find that most children's Birthday cards for sale in the UK feature fantasy or non-reality based illustrations and pictures.

In the Montessori philosophy, reality based experiences are favoured from the age of zero to six. In our family, we have tried to avoid fantasy characters where possible (in books and in our home) and will be introducing things like this once my son is in the second plane (after he turns 6). Here is a quote from Dr. Silvana Montanaro, a pioneer in spreading globally the insights of Maria Montessori, explaining the need for reality based learning in the first plane:

"We should check that they [books] present reality, since at this age children are trying to make sense of the environment and the life around them. There is nothing more extraordinary and interesting than our own daily life. Fantasy can come later—after reality has been experienced and absorbed." - Dr. Silvana Montanaro

So, when it comes to Children's Birthdays, I am always on the lookout for greetings cards to give to friends, that are cheerful and also based in reality. Here I share a few card designs that I love.

Sarah Frances - https://www.sarahfrances.co.uk/

Ocean Whales by Buddy + Betty @ Earlybird - https://www.earlybirddesigns.co.uk/shop/ranges/buddy-and-betty/ocean-scene-whales-card

Wrendale Designs by Hannah Dale - https://www.wrendaledesigns.co.uk/