Peace Education
Grainne Bellotti
Philosophy 2

"Inherent in the very meaning of the word peace is the positive notion of constructive social reform…society at present does not adequately prepare man for civic life…establishing a lasting peace is the work of education." Maria Montessori

"Within the child lies the fate of the future." Maria Montessori

Montessori saw that the small child held all the possibilities for a better future for our world. Every time a child is born there is a new opportunity to create a perfect member of society. Montessori observed that young children held the best characteristics of man and brought out the best qualities in adults. The Montessori classroom is designed to bring out these positive characteristics seen in all children. Children’s natural tendencies toward order, concentration, kindness, compassion, beauty etc. are nurtured within this environment. The classroom has a peaceful atmosphere where the children feel safe, loved and can become their best selves.
In order for this to be possible it all must begin with the teacher. She must be committed to creating a harmonious and peaceful classroom. The teacher must be the model of peace, respect, harmony and unconditional love for all children. She must create a beautiful, organized and loving environment. The children must be shown how to treat the materials and how to treat one another. Children are expected to respect all the people in the room. By example the child learns to love, trust and be kind to others. He is shown how to work quietly, wait his turn, respect other’s space and ask permission to watch someone work.
The child is also given problem solving skills. The teacher must have a method for conflict resolution. There could be a table for two children to meet at and talk about their conflict. The teacher should model or guide the conversation so that each party is heard and a resolution can be agreed upon. Once the problem is solved the children can ring a bell or shake hands to signify this moment of peace-making. Because these skills are being taught at the 3-6 year old level they will stay with him for life.
Respect for others can be extended into geography. An awareness of all the different cultures of the world is important in our global society. For example when studying the United States there is an opportunity to learn about the Native Americans, who were a very spiritual people who had great respect for our planet. Their art, music and culture can be learned through books and music.
Respect for others extends to the classroom materials and environment. The child is taught how to handle the materials carefully and quietly. The materials in the room are beautiful and made of good quality. The children know that they are being trusted with special objects that other children will need to use. They learn to set up their materials and to clean up after themselves so that the next person will have the same opportunity to work that they had. They are also taught how to care for plants and animals. Every classroom should have plants or animals that the child can learn to care for. Montessori believed that the more children learned about the care of plants and animals the more gentle and caring they were as a whole.
I believe it is important to introduce the idea of recycling. This will teach the children to respect the earth and all we have. Using recycled materials in art is something fun and practical that my students have enjoyed and learned a lot from. Kids can make their own paper from paper scraps or make a bird feeder from an old water bottle to hang in the garden.
Refinement of the senses is important in creating a peaceful environment. Montessori saw the value in sensorial education. In the chaotic over stimulated society we live in this is a lost art. Through sensorial awareness children are trained to have sharp senses and appreciate the subtleties in life. The silence game is a unique opportunity for the child to experience calm. They can share a special moment that is created by the group working together to make silence. Their ears can pick up the little sounds that occur that we might seldom notice.
Many classrooms have a Peace Table where the child can go to have a peaceful reflective moment by himself. This area might have a poster of the planet earth or a painting of a dove. It might also have a book on nature or a story about peace. There could be a crystal to refract the light and create a rainbow of color or an object to touch and hold like a beautiful rock. The teacher can also play peaceful music in the background while children are working. If possible there should be a spot outside for the same purpose. In our school we have a children’s garden with walking paths, a NSEW rock, a birdhouse and a quiet bench. This is the children’s space to go and enjoy a moment alone with nature.
There is no one way to teach Peace. There are many ways a teacher can bring an awareness of peace into the classroom. The teacher must decide what methods speak to her and that she is most comfortable with.

Resources:
The Absorbent Mind By Maria Montessori
Nurturing the Spirit in Non-Sectarian Classrooms by Aline Wolf
Holistic Peace Education from the American Montessori Society Position on Peace Education www.amshq.org
Peace Curriculum from the Elizabeth Ann Clune Montessori School website