Dear Guardians of Tomorrow's Heroes,
I’ve written a similar post in the past, but I think it’s worth repeating. Peace is the theme closest to our hearts nowadays. We can achieve global peace through our children, the leaders of tomorrow.
Here’s how we teach global peace in our Montessori classrooms and how you, as a parent, can contribute to a better future for our children.
Jeevan's eyes beamed as his mother glided to the front of the classroom in her gold-lined sari and jingling bangles. His bright white teeth flashed when I admired his burgundy silk kurta. He passed a tray of East Indian treats, kaju katli (cashew fudge), and kalakand (milk cake), to his fascinated classmates. Some were more adventurous than others in tasting such exotic treats.
Bollywood music boomed in our classroom while his graceful mother taught us how to dance the Bhangra, one of India’s most energetic dances. We partied all afternoon. The lesson on Indian culture ended with the class sitting cross-legged like yogis, meditating, with incense wafting at our nostrils.
We were studying the continent of Asia and invited parents to share their way of life with the children. A celebration of different cultures beats any book in teaching about the various countries of the world and its traditions.
The significance of the studies of Cultural Arts, a main section of our curriculum, is not only the knowledge of political geography but also imparting acceptance through understanding different peoples. It is also Maria Montessori’s way of achieving world peace.
Maria Montessori’s Vision for Peace
My book on Maria Montessori’s philosophies would not be complete without this philosophy:
“Averting war is the work of politicians; establishing peace is the work of education.” -Maria Montessori
Dr. Montessori lived through two World Wars. She not only witnessed the irrational disputes of the countries involved but also experienced the life-threatening bombardment and intense fear only war could bring. Her hope for changing this world fell upon the children.
“Since we have the means to guide the child, it is clear that the formation of humanity is in our hands. We have the possibility to form the citizen of the world, and the study of the young child is fundamental to the peace and progress of humanity.” -Maria Montessori
In our hands, as parents and teachers, lies the hope for a peaceful future. Only education can mold our children into noble citizens of the world. Through her curriculum, Maria Montessori devised several avenues to ensure a love for our environment and respect for all kinds of people and their cultures. She taught peace not only through geography lessons but through many areas of learning.
Fostering Global Understanding and Empathy Through Science Lessons
“It is hoped that when this sentiment of love for all subjects can be aroused in children, people in general will become more human, and brutal wars will come to an end.” -Maria Montessori
The child’s love for learning leads to their appreciation of our Earth. It develops a love for this world we live in, to care for it and preserve it. When a student marvels at the geometric symmetry of flowers, the miraculous growth of tiny acorns into giant oak trees, and the ingenuity of ants building a colony, they will strive to preserve it.
Montessori’s stories of the formation of the universe aim to instill a sense of reverence for the creation of our cosmos. Stories of the evolution of living things motivate a child to protect creatures on Earth. Her history lessons reflect the progress of our civilization and the brilliant inventions which impart respect for mankind. Through her science lessons, she hoped children would continue to produce marvelous innovations for our future.
“The children of today will make all the discoveries of tomorrow. All the discoveries of mankind will be known to them, and they will improve what has been done and make fresh discoveries.” -Maria Montessori
Bombs and any form of destruction would be considered sacrilegious. It will grate against their natural instincts, for it will disrupt the natural cycle of life. Any form of the mutilation of our Home, our sacred dwelling, must be avoided. Making peace is a mission for the children of tomorrow.
Exploring the World in Montessori Classrooms
In Montessori classrooms, children dive into geography in a fun way. They piece together puzzle maps, learn about countries and their flags, and explore the continents. This isn't just about maps and borders; it's about understanding how people live differently based on where they are. Kids see how climate and landscapes shape customs and lifestyles, opening their minds to how diverse our world is.
Building Bridges Between Cultures
Montessori learning goes beyond just geography. It's all about bringing the world into the classroom. Kids get to learn about different cultures, and this helps them become kind and empathetic. They start to really get what it's like to walk in someone else's shoes. This empathy doesn't just stay in the classroom; it grows with them, helping them appreciate and respect people from all walks of life.
How Montessori Shapes Future Global Citizens
When kids learn about different cultures, they start seeing the big picture. They understand global issues better and feel connected to people everywhere. They learn to cherish and celebrate what makes us different, like unique traditions and beliefs. This understanding leads to kids being more inclusive and open-minded, reducing biases and embracing diversity.
Critical Thinking and Cultural Awareness
Montessori isn't just about learning facts; it's about thinking deeper. Kids engage with diverse cultures and start to think about their own culture in new ways. They learn to look at the world from different angles, which helps them understand complex issues better.
Social Skills for a Connected World
In a Montessori classroom, kids learn to get along and work together with everyone. They develop awesome social skills, learning to communicate and collaborate with people from all sorts of backgrounds. This is super important in our connected world.
Adapting to Different Environments
Montessori kids also become really adaptable. They learn how to fit in and feel comfortable in all sorts of places and situations. This flexibility is a huge advantage in today's ever-changing world.
Peaceful Problem Solving
One of the coolest things Montessori teaches is how to handle disagreements peacefully. Kids learn to appreciate different viewpoints, which helps them find common ground and solve problems without conflict. This skill is key for personal relationships and even in larger societal issues.
In short, Montessori education isn't just about learning; it's about shaping thoughtful, understanding, and globally-minded individuals. Kids not only learn about the world – they learn how to be a positive part of it.
Cultivating a Culture of Peace at Home and Beyond
“Within the child lies the fate of the future.” –Maria Montessori
Every culture is beautiful in its unique way. Immigrating to Canada, I’ve learned to share my culture with my students and the people around me. I’ve participated in many culture fairs, brought some chicken adobo and pansitnoodles to potlucks. I, too, played games from Asia and crafted Christmas star lanterns called the parol.
As a mother, I encouraged my children to learn Filipino folk dancing. We mingled with families from our country to develop a sense of belonging. This makes my children feel they’re not too different and can relate to others like them.
Here are a few suggestions you can do at home to cultivate acceptance and eradicate racism in your family:
1. Expand your children’s world by reading books of diversity. Show them artwork, maps, pictures of national costumes and meals from other countries. Read folktales from different parts of the world. I’m sure you enjoyed Hans Christian Andersen. Did you venture into reading African or Asian fairy tales?
2. Bring your children to multicultural fairs. Sample their meals and project open-mindedness by genuinely enjoying exotic spices. Our family attends the city’s Folkfest as a family tradition. We enjoy watching the skilled Hungarians dance their Czardas and the graceful Filipinos sway to their Pandanggo and Tinikling while eating chicken adobo and latkes.
3. Mingle with people of different cultures from you. Invite them over to your home and ask them stories and facts about their background.
4. Show pride in your own culture. Celebrate your native rituals and customs at home. Cook your grandparent’s favorite dishes. Join the community of your parents’ origins and explore the history of your ancestors.
5. Encourage your children’s school to teach diversity by offering to talk about your customs and traditions in the classroom. Bring food, it’s always welcome. Arrive in costume. And involve your child’s classmates when you demonstrate a cultural game, art project, or ritual.
The class enjoyed Jeevan’s presentation of India. This encouraged other parents to share theirs. We ate perogies from Ukraine and enjoyed a sushi-making session from Japan. We celebrated Jewish Passover by retelling the story of their exodus from Egypt and gobbled a huge serving of latkes and applesauce.
6. Storytelling is a vital tool in transmitting generational culture. Let their imagination soar as you transport them into a different world. We hear a lot of fairy tales from Europe. How about reading a variety from other parts of the world?
7. Grow more open-minded as a family. Remember, you are your children’s model. They will detect clues and mimic you. Be positive and accepting.
Isn’t this an enjoyable way of learning? We don’t only feast with each other, but presentations like these enhance children’s learning experiences. Their five senses are peaked, a sensorial approach. They taste the delicious food, smell the scrumptious aroma, and move by dancing and playing games. Surely, they will not forget these lessons.
In essence, the Montessori approach to cultural education equips children not just with academic knowledge but with the social and emotional skills necessary to navigate, contribute to, and positively influence a diverse world.
And, hopefully, our Montessori citizens of the world will contribute to global peace.
Lovely