Peace and Education

Peace and Education

As adults we already know about good manners. We have already been trained to be kind and polite to each other. Now it is time to show our children how it is done. Their house is the first environment they get exposed to and become part of a group, their family. Another environment for them is their classroom and they are part of another group with their teacher and classmates.

As teachers we need to be kind and polite in the classroom, because as their role model, they tend to follow our behaviour and actions. When they are in a peaceful and calm environment, they will learn to behave like that as well. In the classroom, we can talk about peace and how great life can be when we all live in harmony. This can be achieved with books about peace or diversity that exists in the world and how easy it is for all of us to be different but also be able to live in peace.

We teach grace and courtesy besides our mane activities which encourage peace and respect for the environment. We have a plant shelf in our classroom which we take care of. Children love to see their plants grow and they water them and care for them. They respect their environment, their classroom and one day we did colouring with markers and after we were done the tables were left with colourful marks. Three children went over to the shelf and picked the “washing the table” activity and started cleaning! More came and asked for more sponges. It was incredible! Team work and great care for their environment.

How much better do we feel when someone is kind to us or speaks with respect and uses polite words. They tend to observe us, and copy what they see. That is something that we need to have always in mind and never act like they do not understand, because they do and they listen to everything. We treat children with love and respect in the classroom and we practice peaceful behaviour by teaching them to be kind to each other.

Dr, Montessori also believed that her method might preserve the inherent peacefulness of children and protect them from replicating the mistakes of adults that led to conflict and war. She also encouraged teachers to focus on the ways in which this model would change the future of our society. We all have human tendencies and when these tendencies are satisfied, we are peaceful, focused and motivated. The same happens with childen. Their natural state is respected and they are able to contribute to their communities in peaceful, focus and motivated ways.

Parents should practise and follow the same tactic as we do in their house. Let them be responsible for their environment and help them be part of the world with kindness and fulfill their inner needs.

“Peace is what every human being is craving for, and it can be brought about by humanity through the child” . (Maria Montessori)

Recommended reading: “Education and Peace” (Maria Montessori)