Anyone
who has visited a Montessori classroom has observed the magical way that peace
and harmony prevail in a classroom bustling with dozens of young hearts and
minds of varying ages and at various stages of development. What makes this quiet, industrious “hum” of a
Montessori classroom possible?
A wise
believer in the power of the child, Maria Montessori advocated for the creation
of “… an environment that will promote
the development of peaceful individuals.”[1] Dr. Montessori
explained that peace prevails when we offer children the time and freedom to work
on activities appropriate for the child's stage of development. When we do
this, we witness “a love of work or activity, concentration, self-discipline
and joy in accomplishment” in the classroom.[2]
These
characteristics are not imposed by anyone or anything. Peace results from the
child’s own efforts when the environment supports his inner needs. What we are
seeing in the classroom is the joyful learning that happens when a child feels
the self-actualization that is a result of his own self-discipline and
accomplishments.
And
just as Montessori environments aim for each child to achieve this inner peace,
they also place a special emphasis on living in harmony and respecting the
rights of others. The classroom is a community and within this community,
respect for self, others, and the environment is taught and reinforced actively.
As
Mahatma Gandhi so wisely noted in a letter he wrote to Dr. Montessori: "If we are to teach real peace in this
world... we shall have to begin with the children."
Share
now to share peace!
If you
are a teacher, share with us how you teach peace in your classroom!
Fun
fact: Did you know that Maria Montessori herself was at the forefront
of global peace advocacy and education, recognized during her time and
throughout history as a spokesperson of the power of peace. In fact, she was
thrice nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.
