Montessori Moment: Peace and Social Justice

An education capable of saving humanity is no small undertaking; it involves the spiritual development of man, the enhancement of his value as an individual, and the preparation of young people to understand the times in which they live.

-Maria Montessori

Along with the wonderful Montessori materials that children use to learn how to read, write, add, subtract, multiply, divide, create and discover, there is an underlying larger lesson of PEACE. Children are taught peace, respect and empathy and also respect for different cultures.

Peace education must begin with inner peace and children are taught how to work with their own feelings and emotions in a healthy manner. This is a learning process, and we provide a safe space to practice these skills without judgement. Children are also taught conflict resolution skills so they can effectively communicate and work through challenges together. We celebrate diversity as an important part of peace education. We teach the importance of taking someone else’s perspective and celebrate what makes us all part of this incredible patchwork of a world. Children also learn to connect to the environment through respect for nature, recycling, and gardening.

We believe that “the child is both a hope and a promise for humankind.” Now, more than ever, peace should be at the center of our educational philosophies.